Portmoneum - Museum of Josef Váchal in Litomyšl

A curious little museum dedicated to Czech thinker, artist, writer and philosopher Josef Váchal, who decorated two rooms and furniture in a house of his friend Josef Portman.

Josef Váchal decorated the picturesque interior of the house of Josef Portman in 1920s. On display there are unique wall paintings, carved painted furniture and accessories, period photographs, samples of letters and small graphics.

Josef Váchal excelled primarily as a graphic designer and author of books on hand-made paper, which he created by himself from manuscript through setting, color or black and white woodcuts to binding.

In 1990s the house of Josef Portman, which was called Portmoneum by Josef Váchal, was rescued and restored thanks to Paseka Publisher. The house was opened for public on 26th June 1993.

In the museum you can buy postcards and books about Josef Váchal and his work.

Not only this museum you can visit in Litomyšl. The town is characteristic by its elongated street-square surrounded by rows of burgers’ houses; the most significant one is the Renaissance house “U rytířů” with valuable stone-carving decoration.

The main dominants of the town are the Piarists Church of the Holy Rood from the 18th century and the Renaissance chateau with its sgraffito facade, one of the most valuable in Bohemia.

The town is the birthplace of composer Bedřich Smetana, and every year the opera festival “Smetana's Litomyšl” takes place in the courtyard of the chateau. The town also boasts a classical collection of ancient sculptures.