On June 11, 1942, The New York Times delivered harrowing news: “Nazis Blot Out a Czech Village.” A German radio broadcast confirmed the destruction of Lidice, reporting that “all adult men were shot, women sent to concentration camps, and children brought to appropriate educational institutions.” The massacre was presented as retaliation for the villagers’ alleged involvement in the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, the Nazi Reichsprotektor of Bohemia and Moravia.

In a war marked by countless brutalities, Lidice might have faded from memory. Instead, it inspired an international outpouring of grief and resistance from artists, writers, filmmakers, and workers.

Stříbrňanka is a band from southern Moravia, consisting of professional and amateur, young, dynamic musicians. The band has a characteristic, unmistakable sound, and they play a wide repertoire – Moravian and Czech folk music, concert, solo, and dance compositions. Stříbrňanka's repertoire is based almost exclusively on its own compositions and pieces written specifically for this band.

From April 10th through the 12th, the �鶹��Ʒ hosted the Annual Czech Consular Assembly in Houston, organized by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, D.C. International and General Consuls of the Czech Republic from North and South America met to discuss important, contemporary topics of global policy and relations.

The annual gathering of Czech Honorary Consuls, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, DC, Consulates General in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, along with Czech governmental agencies, provided an excellent opportunity to review bilateral relations and set goals for the coming months. The agenda was packed with priorities set forth by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including consular and compatriot issues, economic and public diplomacy.

During Thursday night, the consuls and other esteemed guests, including Czech Ambassador to the United States of America Miloslav Stašek, the Chief of International Affairs for the City of Houston Gigi Lee, Greater Houston Partnership’s International Investment & Trade Sr. Director Jeffrey Blair, and Astros Senior Vice President of Business Operations Marcel Braithwaite, attended a welcome reception organized by volunteers and staff of the �鶹��Ʒ. Engaging sessions highlighted Texas as a key partner of Czechia, strengthening the bridges of commercial and cultural exchange between the Czech Republic and the United States.

This April 5th was our annual Spring Festival, where our community had lots of fun with various activities and listened to great live music and songs from the afternoon to the evening by the Czech Folk Singers and Czexasanka!

Spring has sprung at the Czech Museum! Guests enjoyed a day filled with traditional music, delicious food, folk dances, and hands-on activities for all ages as we mark our annual Spring Festival! Whether you are reconnecting with your heritage or learning about it for the first time, we invite our growing community to welcome the spring season! 

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!

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.

Shot by Diana Arriaga

Celebrate the Holidays at the �鶹��Ʒ'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

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

Welcome to the �鶹��Ʒ’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.

about the lecturer

Dr. Jaroslav Jiřík is the Chair of the Department of Archaeology at the 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

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.

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.

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.

�鶹��Ʒ 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.

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

This year, just like last year, the �鶹��Ʒ 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

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

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

The �鶹��Ʒ 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

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