Museum

Museum of production of the glass beads delight all keen beaders and lovers of machinery and history. You can view historical photos and materials, where and how the original Czech glass beads were produced more then 300 years ago. We will show you the historical and contemporary pressing machines, several types of cutting and polishing machines, stringing machines and other tools for making beads. The exhibition also includes contemporary sample cards and historical collection of glass lamp beads and jewelry.

Admission basic - excursion + museum, the minimum number of 5 persons, price for 1 person:

Reduced admission – excursions for groups of 15 people or more, price for 1 person:

Dates must be booked in advance on info@gbbeads.cz or phone no.: +420 483 317 929

Parking is possible in the area near the main building, both for cars and buses.

The Birth of a Bead – A New Exhibition on Czech Glassmaking and Costume Jewelry

How is a tiny glass bead created—a bead that can brighten a piece of jewelry, adorn a garment, and travel from the Jizera Mountains to the entire world? A new, unique exhibition dedicated to the history and production of glass beads in the Jizera Mountains provides the answer.

We will introduce you to the production processes and, above all, the story of human skill, patience, and craftsmanship that transforms glass into unique beads.

Explore the individual stages of production and follow the journey that begins with glass rods and ends with a tiny, perfectly crafted bead.

Production of glass rods – learn about the preparation of the glass material that serves as the foundation for making Jablonec beads.

Glass pressing – discover how beads are made using molds and pressing machines, and trace the evolution of this technology from historical equipment to modern-day machinery.

Faceting – gain insight into the process through which the glass surface acquires new shapes, edges, and its characteristic appearance.

Polishing – learn how the surface of the beads is refined to enhance their luster, color, and the inherent beauty of the glass.

Machines That Tell the Story of a Craft

The exhibition features both historical and contemporary machinery and equipment, illustrating the evolution of glass bead production. You will see how production processes and technical equipment have evolved, and how traditional expertise has been passed down from generation to generation.
Each machine represents an important part of the story. Behind every step of the production process lies not only technology, but also a deep understanding of the material, precision, and the skilled hands of craftspeople.

A Small Bead, A Big Story

At first glance, an unassuming glass bead is the result of a series of sequential production steps. Its creation requires time, meticulous care, and the collaboration of individuals who possess an expert knowledge of the properties of glass and the techniques used to shape it.

The new exhibition reveals that the beauty of Jablonec beads is not the result of a single moment, but rather the product of an entire world of traditional methods, technical ingenuity, and human skill.
Discover the Glassmaking Heritage of the Jizera Mountains

Explore a craft that has left an indelible mark on the region’s history and made Czech glass beads famous far beyond its borders.

Come and discover how a glass bead is born—from raw glass and glass rods to the finished product.