Experience Martinů 2026 | Family Festival in Polička

Over four days in August the fourth edition of the Experience Martinů festival will guide you through the world of this famous composer in a playful yet deeply moving way. You can look forward to a fusion of Czech and Japanese music, an original exhibition and concert inspired by folk poetry, music workshops for young listeners, the revitalization of the restored square by the church, a unique staged performance of cantatas from the Vysočina region, and stylish treats made from family recipes. The popular costumed tours of his childhood room will also be back. The program for young and old alike will draw you into the life and work of Bohuslav Martinů in a way you’ve never experienced before!

Thursday 27 August 2026
7.00 pm / Baroque Town Hall / 100 Kč
ECHOES (NOT ONLY) FROM JAPAN
A unique concert combining the music of Bohuslav Martinů with traditional and contemporary Japanese music.

Friday 28 August 2026
6.00 pm / Museum / 100 Kč
ON ROSES AND ROSEMARY
A chamber concert featuring compositions by Bohuslav Martinů and other composers drawing on Moravian folk poetry, and the opening of the exhibition *Echoes of Home*, inspired by the work of Bohuslav Martinů. 
Performers: Veronika Kladivová & Vojtěch Šembera – vocals, Tamara Bláhová – piano.

9.00 pm / Museum Garden / 120 Kč
KAPRÁLOVÁ 
Screening at the summer cinema of a new documentary film about Vítězslava Kaprálová, with the filmmakers in attendance.

Saturday 29 August 2026
1.30 pm / Museum / 50 Kč
LIVING TRADITIONS
A music and movement workshop for children inspired by folk dance and songs. (Suitable for children ages 3 and up)

3.00 pm / Baroque Town Hall / 50 Kč
BE A COMPOSER FOR A WHILE
A music workshop for children packed with creative games, whimsical musical instruments, and boundless imagination. Suitable for children ages 6 and up.

4.30 – 6.30 pm / B. Martinů Square / Free
THE SQUARE IN TRANSFORMATION
An extraordinary presentation of the renovated Bohuslav Martinů Square
accompanied by music, dance, and good food and drink.

7.00 pm / Tyl House / 280 Kč 
CANTATAS FROM THE VYSOČINA REGION
A unique staged production of four cantatas to mark the 70th anniversary of the premiere of The Opening of the Springs.
Performers: Vernum 2013 Ensemble, conducted by Ondřej Tajovský, directed by Jana Krajčovičová Tajovská.

Sunday 30 August 2026
11.00 am / St. Michael’s Church in Polička / 100 Kč
SOUNDS OF THE FUTURE
The Bohuslav Martinů Music School presents musical talents. Following the concert, a memorial ceremony will take place at the composer’s grave.

Accompanying activities: / 100 Kč (child); 150 Kč (adult); 350 Kč (family)
WELCOME TO THE MARTINŮS (Saturday, Sunday)
Interactive tours of Bohuslav Martinů’s birthplace.

DELICACIES FROM THE MARTINŮ FAMILY (Saturday, Sunday)
Stylish refreshments made from Marie Martinů’s family recipes at the Palačinka café (Šaffova 68).

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Tickets for the performance Cantatas from the Vysočina Region can be purchased only online at this link or at the Polička Information Center starting July 1, 2026.

Other tickets can be reserved or purchased at the museum ticket office.

The event is organized by the Polička Municipal Museum and Gallery and the Bohuslav Martinů Center in Polička. 

In cooperation with the City of Polička, the Bohuslav Martinů Elementary Art School in Polička, Tylův Dům Polička, the Bohuslav Martinů Society, the Roman Catholic Parish of Polička, and the Palačinka café. The media partner is the Klasika Plus website. 

The event is held with financial support from the Bohuslav Martinů Foundation, the Bohuslav Martinů Society, the Pardubice Region, the State Cultural Fund of the Czech Republic, OSA, the Czech Music Fund Foundation, THT Polička, and Dlažby Vysoké Mýto.

For more information visit: https://muzeum-policka.cz/vystavy-a-akce/zazit-martinu-2026