The exhibition The Gentle Beauty of Lace presents two distinct yet related forms of delicate textile art – the free lacework of Hana Hyžáková and the traditional Zubří white embroidery from the collections of the Museum of Zubří, further developed today by Marie Pyrchalová. The display is designed to harmonise with the festive decorations of the château’s historic interiors, creating a unique Christmas atmosphere.

Both lace and embroidery have long been symbols of female skill, patience, and sensitivity to ornament. Zubří embroidery, a hallmark of northern Wallachia, once adorned traditional costumes and household textiles. In contrast, the contemporary work of Hana Hyžáková shows how lace can transcend its utilitarian form to become a means of artistic expression, applied in wall compositions, fashion accessories, and three-dimensional creations inspired by nature.

The exhibition will run throughout Advent and will be complemented by special accompanying events dedicated to regional craftsmanship and the living heritage of embroidery and lace.

Accompanying Programme

Saturday 6 December 2025 – St Nicholas Fair with Zubří Embroidery

During the traditional St Nicholas Fair, Lešná Chateau will come alive with local crafts, folk music, a live nativity scene, and festive aromas of mulled wine and gingerbread.

Throughout the day (10:00–17:00), students of white embroidery from Zubří, together with Erika Ondřejová from the Museum of Zubří, will present live demonstrations of traditional embroidery techniques, share insights into their craft, and engage in informal discussions with visitors. According to interest, they will also offer short, informal guided introductions to the exhibition The Gentle Beauty of Lace, providing a personal perspective on the living tradition of Zubří embroidery.

Saturday 14 December 2025 – Guided Tours and Demonstrations by Marie Pyrchalová

On the third Advent Saturday, the exhibition will highlight Zubří white embroidery and its contemporary artisans.
Erika Ondřejová from the Museum of Zubří will lead guided tours at 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, and 16:00, each lasting approximately 45 minutes.

At the same time (13:00–17:00), Marie Pyrchalová, holder of the title Bearer of the Tradition of Folk Crafts, will be present to give a live demonstration of embroidery, allowing visitors to observe her creative process, learn about the techniques, and gain insight into both the history and the present of this exquisite regional craft.

The day’s programme will also feature the children’s theatre performance “Christmas Tales from Fairy Tale to Fairy Tale”, beginning at 15:00, as part of the château’s afternoon family event from 13:00 to 17:00.

Opening Hours in November and December

Lešná Chateau will be closed to the public from 27 October to 14 November 2025 due to exhibition installation and Advent preparations.

From 15 November to 21 December 2025, the château will operate in its Advent opening mode, Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00–17:00 (closed on Mondays). Guided château tours will not take place in December due to the Christmas programme.