CZ, Plasy: Center for Civic Engineernig Heritage

The multiple-storey building of the former brewery combines honest traditional crafts and unique collection items with new construction technologies. The top floor is dedicated to the life and work of Jan Kaplicky. Since its ceremonial opening in 2015, the National Technical Museum has won a number of awards for the Plasy Center of Architectural Heritage. The Museum of Civil Engineering is a contribution from both historical and educational point of view.

n the beginning, you will learn a little about the construction project, statics, roofing or what is actually a "rough construction". Whoever wants to build a house must know something about it. It's not just about its location, size and shape. Create a home is to connect your vision, art and talent with real materials.

The exposition features ceramic tiles and clay tiles that have been used since ancient times, you will learn that the oldest tiles have been used in ancient Egypt, 4000 years before Christ. In our area we have preserved Romanesque and Gothic tiles. The heart of each ceramic factory is the kiln, and the type of fuel involved is the burning quality. The first gas furnaces in Europe were built in the Rakovnik factory. How they worked, learn from the RAKO factory model, which is also depicted on hand-painted glazed tiles built into one large image. Surfaces, not just ceramic tiles, but also plasters that not only protect, but must also be aesthetic.

You can reach the pillars and vaults, ceilings and floors, stairs, windows and doors to modern insulations, because keeping the heat in the house is important. Equally important is the water we need to live. The first waterworks were built in our monasteries, else the water came into the house in the 20th century.

We must not forget the invisible power that once changed the world. Electricity. The development of the electrical installation is also devoted to a separate part of the exhibition.

You are going through the exposition and you are full of wonder what all our ancestors have proved. You may not even notice that you were in a former old shop, refrigerator, monastery mill or in the heart of every brewery - a brewery. I would like to say that interesting is not only the exhibition itself, but also the historical premises of the former monastery brewery. On one of the floors you will find an extensive educational and leisure time workshop for children to test their skills. From wooden blocks he builds they can build a house, the elders try a vault according to the original and the smallest puzzle.

Almost anywhere in the complex there is barrier-free access and parking is free of charge. It is to be expected that you will spend the whole day relaxing. The tradition of beer brewing has been preserved in Plasy. Right across from the museum, the Royal Brewery is open seven days a week with excellent cuisine.

GPS: 49°56'13.4"N 13°23'23.8"E

Text and photos: Monika Babická