The 1866 War Museum in Chlum has a new exhibition where soldiers and mothers tell their stories.

A new exhibition has opened at the Museum of the Battle of Chlum in 1866, marking a significant transformation in how history is presented to visitors. The museum, located in a building constructed in the 1930s and expanded around fifteen years ago, now features a completely renovated interior designed to immerse visitors in the experience of the battle. This project, costing twenty million Czech crowns, represents a major shift in focus from traditional historical displays to interactive storytelling and emotional engagement.

The exhibition aims to bring the human dimension of the conflict into sharper focus, moving beyond mere historical facts and military operations. It presents personal stories of soldiers and civilians who lived through the war, drawing on authentic memories collected from survivors of the battle. These narratives are woven into the fabric of the exhibit, allowing visitors to understand the broader historical context through the lens of individual experiences. Unlike previous exhibitions, which were criticized for being too dense with factual information, this new approach emphasizes narrative and interaction.

The museum's layout has been redesigned to create two levels of exhibition space, offering a more immersive environment. Visitors can walk through recreated scenes that mimic the chaos of the battlefield, enhancing their sense of presence during the battle. Four fictional characters—both civilians and soldiers—are created based on real accounts, guiding visitors through the exhibits. These characters provide a personal touch, helping visitors connect emotionally with the events of 1866.

To further enhance the visitor experience, mobile applications have been developed that guide users through both the museum and selected locations near the battlefield, including the forest of Svíb and the village of Rozběřice. Augmented reality elements allow visitors to see historical scenes superimposed onto the present-day landscape using their smartphones or tablets. For those without access to such devices, the museum offers loaner tablets to ensure everyone can participate fully in the interactive aspects of the exhibition.

The Battle of Chlum took place in early July 1866 and was one of the largest battles in Europe during the 19th century. Over 436,000 soldiers clashed in a single day, resulting in approximately 16,000 deaths and missing persons. The Austrian forces suffered defeat, leading to the acceptance of Prussian terms for a ceasefire. This battle marked a turning point in European politics and had lasting implications for the region.

The new exhibition seeks to engage a wide range of audiences, from historians to families with children and those who typically do not show interest in history. By combining authentic stories, interactive elements, digital technology, and atmospheric design, the museum hopes to make the past more accessible and engaging. The exhibition also highlights the perspective of civilian life during wartime, providing insight into how ordinary people experienced the conflict.

The museum received European funding amounting to twelve million crowns as part of its investment in the new exhibition. The remaining funds came from the Regional Museum of Eastern Bohemia in Hradec Králové, which operates the Museum of the Battle of 1866 as a branch. The museum itself was established in 1936 and underwent renovations and expansion in 2010, costing forty million crowns. However, the previous exhibition was considered temporary, prompting the need for a more permanent and comprehensive display.

The museum continues to evolve, with plans to introduce additional sensory elements in the future, such as olfactory cues that recreate the smells of the battlefield. These additions aim to deepen the visitor’s connection to the historical events by engaging all five senses. As the museum prepares for the upcoming commemorations of the 160th anniversary of the battle, it remains committed to innovation and accessibility, ensuring that the legacy of the Battle of Chlum continues to resonate with new generations of visitors.