This February 1st was our annual Masopust Potluck. Fun and games for the young and old were had, including running with an egg on a spoon, boardgames, bag racing, etc. Many at the celebration wore interesting, extravagant costumes and masks. It’s customary for a Czech/Slovak celebration to have music and dancing!
Forgotten Gateway: Coming to America Through Galveston Island Exhibit Opening Night
On February 7, we were joined by members of our community to commemorate the opening of the Forgotten Gateway exhibit. Alfonso Duncan and Brian Cosgrove of the Houston Maritime Museum and Irene Walters of the Houston Public Library’s Family History Research Center all joined us to lead a powerful discussion about immigration, history, and the never-ending journey that’s lasted generations!
From 1845 to 1924, the Port of Galveston was a major gateway for American immigration. This exhibition is the first of its kind to explore Galveston’s legacy as a port of entry on a national scale. It brings to light the little-known, yet rich, era of Galveston’s history and its importance to the growth of Texas and the American Midwest.
While Ellis Island’s location in New York made it a natural port for Europeans, Galveston attracted a diverse group of people from Europe, Mexico, South and Central America, and even Asia. The exhibition highlights enduring themes in the history of immigration including the dangers of the journey, making a life in a new land, navigating bureaucracy, and confronting discrimination.
CCMH Mikuláš Holiday Market 2024
Shot by Diana Arriaga
Celebrate the Holidays at the Czech Center Museum Houston's Mikuláš Market!
This holiday season, immerse yourself in the magic of Czech traditions and explore a world of unique treasures at our Holiday Mikuláš Market!
Shop Unique Gifts: Browse beautiful and artisanal items from the Czech Republic and beyond. This year, we’re thrilled to welcome local vendors offering handmade and international gifts—perfect for everyone on your list!
Savor the Season: Warm up with festive beverages and indulge in Czech treats from our Country Store, featuring homemade favorites like kolache, strudels, poppy seed rolls, jams, and more!
Czech Magic: Experience the joy of Czech holiday traditions with Mikuláš, anděl (angel), and čert (devil). Watch as children delight in the festivities and receive special treats for good behavior!
Don’t miss this festive and family-friendly holiday celebration featuring traditions, treasures, and fun for all ages!
Mark your calendars and join us for a magical holiday experience!
December 14, 2025
Vánoční Večírek 2024
Year after year the Czech and Slovak communities of the Greater Houston Area gather to share in the beloved tradition of Sv. Mikuláš, anděla, and čert. For the adults, there was a sing-along, Christmas bingo, festive food, a photo booth, and dancing.
December 7, 2024
Photos by Jana Gombikova
Annual Holiday Auction 2024
Welcome to the Czech Center Museum Houston’s Holiday Online Auction!
Join us in celebrating the season of giving while sustaining an in important part of Texas history. Your participation in this fundraising auction directly benefits the museum's educational programming, including lectures, concerts, and exhibit development that enrich and inspire our community. Browse a variety of exciting items, from destination hotel stays and stunning home decor to specially curated gift baskets perfect for holiday gifting.
From December 1, 2024 to December 14, 2024.
New archaeological finds of the Royal jewelry of the Late Antiquity from Central Bohemia
about the lecturer
Dr. Jaroslav Jiřík is the Chair of the Department of Archaeology at the Prácheň Museum in Písek, Czech Republic, where he focuses on the Migration Period or Late Antiquity. Dr. Jiřík was a Fulbright scholar for one semester at the University of Florida, Gainesville, under Prof. Florin Curta, specialist for Early Slavic cultures in Central and Eastern Europe. Dr. Jiřík is also an associate professor at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, where he lectures on Late Antiquity and New World archaeology, specifically Mesoamerica.
November 8, 2024
Exhibition: Witness to the Revolution
As communism fell in Europe in the autumn and winter of 1989, several Americans were in Czechoslovakia and had the opportunity to witness a pivotal moment in history. This exhibit uses eyewitness accounts from Americans who were there, including a professor, a student, a reporter, and U.S. Embassy staff. Their notes, pictures, and videos combine to tell a fascinating story of revolution and freedom.
From November 2, 2024 to December 21, 2024.
Karel Zeman Film Screening and Documentary Screening
Embark on a thrilling adventure with five young boys soaring above Prague in this visually stunning classic. Don’t miss this cinematic journey.
This biographical documentary delves into the life and legacy of one of the most celebrated Czech filmmakers in history.
Find out the creative inspirations behind Zeman's groundbreaking cinematic tricks and explore how he crafted his imaginative World, remaining a singular figure in the world of cinema. Discover the work of this self-taught genius, whose films, filled with timeless poetry and sincerity, continue to inspire audiences Around the globe.
November 1, 2024 Film Screening.
November 2, 2024 Documentary Screening.
Pop-up exhibit: Ahoj from Jablunkov
Dip you toes into this vibrant town of ancient traditions and artistry in wood-carving, painting, textile printing and more. Pop up Exhibit On view Nov 1 - 30 at CCMH.
From November 1, 2024 to November 30, 2024.
Knihy Zdarma
Czech Center Museum Houston posílá do světa knížky, které už v knihovničce máme, nebo které již nevyužijeme. Zájemci o tituly na fotografiích níže, kontaktujte nás prosím na mailu czech@czechcenter.org. Domluvíme se s vámi výběr a předání v muzeu nebo se můžete přijít podívat 25. a 26. října. Finanční příspěvek za knížky je vítán, ale není nutný – jde nám hlavně o to, aby literatura našla nový domov!
From October 25, 2024 to October 26, 2024.
Czech Heritage Month Concert
The 8th annual Czech Heritage Month concert featured an all-Smetana program as part of the celebrations surrounding Czech Independence Day, the Year of Czech Music, and the bicentennial of Bedřich Smetana. It was another spectacular performance by Apollo Chamber Players with special guest Rodolfo Morales. Thank you to a full house teeming with excitement! October 17, 2024
Czech Embassy Bike Challenge
This year, just like last year, the Czech Center Museum Houston joins the Bike Challenge organized by the Czech Embassy in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the anniversary of the establishment of the independent Czechoslovak state.
October 13, 2024
Czechia Through Your Eyes
Have you traveled to the Czech Republic and taken a lot of nice photos? Select one and submit it to Czechia Through Your Eyes contest. It should fit under one of the following categories: nature, cities, and life in the Czech Republic.
The CCMH Team will select 10 pictures from each category that will be posted on the CCMH Facebook profile and the photos with the most “Likes” will win in each category. Authors of the best pictures in each category will receive an award. A desk calendar will be made of the 12 best pictures and gifted to CCMH contacts for the New Year.
From October 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024
Zářijová Grilovačka
As is tradition, we held our September barbecue at the Bayou Parkland Pavilion in Hermann Park. Czech and Slovak families gathered for fellowship and to celebrate the start of the new school year.
September 28, 2024
CCMH Bike/Run Challenge 2024
The Czech Center Museum Houston invites you to participate in our second annual CCMH Bike / Run Challenge to celebrate the upcoming Czech Independence Day.
Cycle 19.18 km (12 miles) or run 11.17 km (7 miles) anytime during the challenge period from September 28 to October 28, 2024. Organize a ride with friends or cycle/run by yourself during the challenge period and share a photo from the activity with us. Pose with a Czech or Slovak symbol in the photo: a Czech flag, or perhaps a CCMH t-shirt — you decide!
From September 28, 2024 - October 28, 2024
Milan Kundera Book Club Discusses The Book of Laughter and Forgetting
Please join us for the last in a series of events exploring the work of Milan Kundera (1929-2023), the Czech writer whose books became an international phenomenon. During the Soviet domination of Czechoslovakia, Kundera reminded the world of his native country’s central place in European culture. His formative influences included the composer Leoš Janáček and that modern myth-maker, Franz Kafka. Kundera was also drawn to the imagination of France, where he settled in 1975. The cultural form that preoccupied Kundera was the novel. He leaned into its skepticism and comedy to contemplate societies distorted by ideology and vacuousness.
Robert Cremins and Dan Price from the Honors College at the University of Houston will lead us in a discussion of The Book of Laughter and Forgetting, which back in late 1980 The New York Times called “the most original book of the season.”
September 19, 2024
The Restoration Talk
Join us as we dive into the background of these pieces and learn about the techniques and challenges involved in preserving these works of art.
Rachel Townsend and Lauren Enyart from Bradley’s Art & Frame will take us through the complex and delicate process of frame and art conservation and restoration.
September 6, 2024
Summer Intern Showcase 2024
Experience the creativity and dedication of our talented interns.
Witness the culmination of months of hard work as our summer interns present their projects on Czech and Slovak art, history, culture, & heritage. Engage with their in-depth research, thoughtfully designed displays, and curated mini-exhibits.
Bring your family and friends to support our future museum professionals and enjoy an evening of culture, innovation, and community. Complimentary parking is available in the adjacent lots.
We look forward to seeing you there!
August 10, 2024
Reception honoring Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic
On July 12, 2024, the CCMH was honored to welcome Czech President Petr Pavel and Eva Pavlová to Houston. The Prague delegation joined members of the Greater Houston Czech community for an intimate evening celebrating heritage, culture, and the future of Texas-Czech relations.
From the Czech Silver Thaler to the American Dollar Exhibition
From the Czech Silver Thaler to the American Dollar is an exhibition held by the Museum of East Bohemia in conjunction with the University of Pardubice at the CCMH to present the 500 year “family history” of the dollar currency.
The exhibition presents the emergence and development of thaler (tolar) currencies in 16th-century Europe – starting with the large silver coins minted in Jáchymov (Joachimsthal) in 1520, which were known as Joachimsthalers or just thalers (after the town’s German name) – a name which eventually came to refer to all coins of this general type. The exhibition explains why the word ‘dollar’ was used for the newly created U.S. currency in the late 18th century, as well as tracing how the historical development of these coins (which continues up to the present day) has been connected with Bohemia’s former mineral wealth.
From July 12, 2024 to October 31, 2024