The Museum of Těšín Land in Český Těšín is a place that perfectly symbolizes the complex history of the borderlands. Located at Hlavní třídě 115, the museum sits in the heart of the Czech part of the city, which was a single urban organism until 1920. The exhibition tells the fascinating history of the Těšín region, which for centuries was an arena for the clash of Polish, Czech, German and Austrian influences. Particularly moving is the section devoted to the dramatic division of the city in 1920, when the Olza River became the state border, separating families and friends. The uniqueness of this museum lies in the presentation of history from different perspectives, which allows one to understand the complexity of the fate of the border residents.

The museum uses modern presentation techniques, combining traditional exhibits with multimedia presentations. Particularly valuable are the ethnographic collections documenting the daily life of the inhabitants of Cieszyn Silesia, their costumes, crafts and customs. Extremely interesting is the collection of photographs showing Cieszyn before and just after the partition, allowing to see how drastically the life of the town changed. The museum also preserves documents related to the activities of the Polish-Czech-Slovak Solidarity movement, which has been actively working to bring the two nations together since 1989.

A completely different aspect of common heritage is presented by the Czech Pharmacy Museum in Kuks. This unique place is housed in a historic hospital complex dating back to the 18th century, which is itself a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The museum presents the fascinating history of pharmacy and medicine over the centuries, with a special focus on the herbal and pharmaceutical traditions of the border region. Visitors can admire recreated historical pharmacies from different eras, collections of pharmacy vessels, mortars, scales and other tools used by pharmacists of the past.

The museum's most valuable treasure is a unique pharmacy library containing old prints and manuscripts, including the famous 'Kukski Codex' - an illustrated herbarium documenting medicinal plants grown in the monastery's garden. Of note is the legend associated with Count František Antonín Špork, founder of the complex, who is said to have brought the best medics and pharmacists from all over Europe to Kuks to create a healing center of European stature. The museum surrounds a recreated historical herb garden, where traditional medicinal plants are grown according to ancient recipes.

Comparing the two museums, one can see that the Museum of the Cieszyn Land focuses more on the socio-political history of the region, while the Czech Pharmacy Museum presents the scientific and medical heritage. The museum in Cieszyn is more affordable (mid-priced ticket) and offers exhibitions in several languages, making it accessible to international tourists. The Kuks museum, on the other hand, while slightly more expensive (medium to high priced ticket), offers a more immersive experience thanks to its historical setting and the opportunity to visit the herb garden. Both sites cater to families with children, offering special educational programs and interactive exhibit elements.

The Krkonoše Mountains, a majestic mountain range stretching along the Polish-Czech border, have fascinated the people of both countries for centuries. Their rich history, culture and nature are reflected in two unique museum facilities: The Multimedia Museum of Karkonosze in Karpacz and the Karkonosze Museum in Jelenia Góra.

The Multimedia Karkonosze Museum, located at 5 Karkonoska Street in Karpacz, is a modern facility that presents the region's natural and cultural heritage in an innovative way. The museum uses state-of-the-art technology to transport visitors into the fascinating world of Karkonosze legends, traditions and nature. Particularly impressive is the interactive model of the Krkonoše Mountains, allowing visitors to take a virtual tour of the most important trails and peaks. Thanks to augmented reality technology, it is possible to meet the legendary Spirit of the Mountains - Karkonosze (known in Czech tradition as Krakonoš), who, according to local legends, guarded the treasures hidden in the mountains and helped good people and punished the greedy and evil.

One of the most interesting exhibits is a reconstruction of an old Krkonoše hut, showing how highlanders lived on both sides of the border. Visitors can learn about the region's traditional crafts, such as glassmaking, weaving and herbalism. Also fascinating is an exhibition on ancient winter sports - few people know that the Giant Mountains were one of the first places in Europe where skiing was practiced, and the first ski competitions were held here as early as 1890.

The museum also presents a lesser-known history of the region related to the mineral and gemstone prospectors who roamed the Karkonosze valleys for centuries. Legend has it that in the vicinity of Karpacz there was a secret group of prospectors called 'Walloons' who possessed magical abilities to find precious ores. Their secret signs can reportedly still be found on some of the Karkonosze rocks today.

On the other hand, the Karkonosze Museum in Jelenia Góra, located at 28 Matejki Street, is the oldest regional museum in Lower Silesia, founded in 1888. The institution is famous primarily for its unique collection of artistic glass, documenting the centuries-old tradition of glassmaking in the region. It is worth knowing that the glassmaking traditions of Karkonosze date back to the 14th century, when Czech glass masters established the first glassworks on both sides of the mountains.

The museum has an impressive ethnographic collection, presenting the material culture of the inhabitants of the Giant Mountains and the Jizera Mountains. Particularly valuable are the collection of painted furniture, characteristic of the region, and a collection of traditional folk costumes. An interesting element of the exhibition is a reconstruction of an herbalist's workshop, referring to the figure of Wawrzyniec Scholz, known as 'Liczyrzepa' - a famous herbalist from the 17th century, who, according to legend, knew the healing properties of all Karkonosze herbs and was the prototype of the figure of the Mountain Spirit.

Extremely interesting is the exhibition devoted to the ancient spa traditions of the region. It is a little known fact that in the 19th century Karkonosze was a fashionable center of health tourism, and towns such as Cieplice Śląskie-Zdrój and Świeradów-Zdrój attracted visitors from all over Europe. The museum displays memorabilia from that period, including old medical equipment, mineral water bottles and spa guides.

Comparing the two museums, one can see that the Multimedia Museum of Karkonosze in Karpacz relies on modernity and interactivity, making it particularly attractive to families with children and younger visitors. Ticket prices here are average, and the exhibition is available in several languages. The Karkonosze Museum in Jelenia Gora has a more classical character and focuses on presenting authentic historical exhibits, which will be appreciated by lovers of traditional museology. Ticket prices are slightly lower here, making it accessible to a wider audience. Both museums organize periodic educational events and workshops, allowing for a deeper understanding of Krkonoše traditions.

The Museum of East Bohemia in Hradec Králové, located at Eliščino nábřeží 465/7, is one of the most important cultural institutions of the Czech borderland, documenting centuries-old historical and cultural ties between the eastern part of the Czech Republic and neighboring regions of Poland. The impressive museum building, built in the Art Nouveau style in the early 20th century, is a valuable architectural monument in its own right. It is worth noting the richly decorated facade, which features motifs referring to the history and culture of the region.

The museum has an impressive archaeological collection, documenting settlements in the borderlands since prehistoric times. Particularly valuable is a collection of finds from the Bronze Age, testifying to intensive trade contacts between communities living in what is now Poland and the Czech Republic several thousand years ago. Fascinating is the exhibition devoted to the Lusatian culture, which developed on both sides of today's border, creating a unified cultural area.

One of the most valuable exhibits is the so-called 'Treasure of Hradec Králové' - a collection of medieval coins and jewelry discovered during construction work in the city center. Among the items found were Polish, Czech and Hungarian coins, which perfectly illustrates the international nature of trade in the region. According to local legend, the treasure supposedly belonged to a wealthy merchant who hid it during an invasion by Hussite troops in the 15th century.

The museum also has a rich ethnographic collection, presenting the daily life of borderland residents in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Of particular interest is an exhibition devoted to the region's traditional crafts, such as weaving, pottery and lace-making. Also worth noting is an exhibition presenting Polish influences in local folk culture, evident in ornamentation, music and customs.

A fascinating part of the collection is the documentation on the Battle of Sadová (1866), one of the most important battles of the Prussian-Austrian War, which took place near Hradec Králové. The museum presents not only the military aspects of the battle, but also its impact on the daily life of the border region's inhabitants. A little-known fact is that after the battle, many wounded soldiers, including Poles serving in the Austrian army, found shelter in the homes of local residents, which helped strengthen ties between communities.

A unique aspect of the museum is an exhibition on the history of industry in the region, with a special focus on the production of musical instruments. Hradec Králové was famous for making pianos and grand pianos, which were also exported to Poland. Visitors can admire a collection of historical instruments and learn about their manufacturing process.

Juxtaposing the Museum of East Bohemia with other establishments on the border, it's worth noting that it stands out for its particularly rich archaeological and historical collections, while the Krkonoše museums focus more on natural and ethnographic aspects. In terms of pricing, the museum in Hradec Králové offers tickets at an average price, comparable to the Museum of the Těšín Region, but slightly lower than the Czech Pharmacy Museum. The facility is well suited for international visitors, offering descriptions of the exhibits in several languages, including Polish.

The Museum of East Bohemia regularly organizes temporary exhibitions on border issues, often in cooperation with Polish institutions. Particularly valuable are projects documenting common cultural heritage, such as the 'Borderland in Images' exhibition, which presents works by artists from both sides of the border. The museum also runs educational programs for children and young people, bringing the history of the region closer in an attractive and accessible way.

It is worth emphasizing that all the described museums in the Polish-Czech borderland, despite their differences in subject matter and method of presentation, share a common mission: to document and present the rich cultural heritage of the region, which for centuries was a place where different cultures met and intermingled. Each of these sites offers a unique perspective on a shared history, allowing a better understanding of the complex fate of the borderland and an appreciation of its cultural richness. For tourists interested in the history and culture of the region, a visit to these establishments is a fascinating journey through centuries of shared experiences that have shaped the character of the Polish-Czech borderland today.