Museum of Maps

A map is one of the most important tools ever invented by humankind. It helps us understand the world, plan journeys and discover new places. But do you know how maps are actually created, and whether we can truly trust them? Does everything on a map really look the same in reality? Answers to these and many other questions can be found at the Museum of Maps in Zlín, where a range of interactive elements allows you to experience the magic of maps for yourself.

At the Museum of Maps you will learn everything there is to know about maps and their history. Experienced guides will lead you through the world of mapping, geography and cartography, explain the evolution of maps from their beginnings to the present day and share fascinating insights into the maps currently on display, which change regularly.

In addition to various types of maps, you will also see historical tools once used in their creation, and you can try your hand at being a cartographer yourself. You can also test your knowledge on blank maps of the Czech Republic and Europe, or create your own landscape model using an interactive sand table.

On this sand table with projection, you can shape the landscape with your own hands and watch in real time as contour lines and colours change according to the terrain’s elevation. This makes it easy to understand why different types of landscape are shown in different colours on a map. You can create mountain ranges, valleys and rivers – and transform the landscape according to your imagination in an instant.

And if you would like to see the world from above, take a seat in the flight simulator and experience what it feels like to pilot an aircraft. You can virtually fly over Zlín, Bali, New York or anywhere else in the world.

If you are interested in a guided tour or the flight simulator, advance booking is required. However, you can also visit the museum independently without a guide.

The Museum of Maps in Zlín was founded by the cartographic publishing house SHOCart, which has been producing and publishing maps for more than 30 years. In the museum shop you can purchase a wide range of hiking, cycling and illustrated maps, as well as beautiful books from the Česko z nebe (Czechia from Above) and Čarovné Česko (Magical Czechia) series.