Precious stones from the Bohemian Paradise

The brothers Jan and Václav Fišers from Turnov. Their alleged voyage to Venice, five years of efforts to seize the local secret of secrecy, return to Turnov, dozens of wasted attempts and then - finally success! In 1711 they made the first glass for the production of artificial stones.

THE GLASSHOUSE IN NOVÝ SVĚT

It was in 1712, when Elias Müller built his glassworks on the estate of the Harrach Counts in Jilemnice. It continued in the traditional production of glass, which was produced on the border of the Giant Mountains and the Jizera Mountains in the middle of the 14th century. Even today, you can see not only metallurgical production and blowing glass, but also a hundred-year-old grinding shop. It is driven by a water turbine and transmissions used to distribute the driving force.

ELIAS PALME

Elias Palme, one of the most famous luminaire manufacturers, continued the tradition of chandeliers in Kamenický Šenov. Industrial production of chandeliers was started in 1724 by Josef Palme in Prácheň.

ELDORADO OF BEADS AND SEED BEADS

Surely you would not find in the whole Principle and in the broad surroundings of a person who would say a crooked word about Jan Šourek. After all, it was as if he had come to the Principle of Prosperity and Welfare. As soon as he took possession of the reeve, life in the village began to turn for the better. He was one of the first to venture into the world for business.

JOSEF RIEDEL

Josef Riedel, king of the Jizera Mountains glassmakers, was born in Hejnice in 1816. He was the representative of the sixth generation of the glass family and imprinted his footprint indelibly on the slopes of the Jizera Mountains.

FRIEDRICH EGERMANN

JOSEF PFEIFFER

Josef Pfeiffer - Jablonec entrepreneur and mayor, who was involved in the development of jewelery exports. Everything is confirmed at the imperial court and in 1866 Jablonec became a town during his reign.

BLOWN BEAD and its way to the tree

People can make sense of time and numbers, but not us, beads. However, I have heard that they have been blowing me in the mountains for more than a hundred years. As a bead would put it, that is a long time. You, who have never seen how a bead is born, you don´t know how beautiful life can be....

MELTED GLASS SCULPTURE

In 1920 the first Czech glass school was founded in Železný Brod, thanks to which the town became a center of glass art.

Mapa

Liberec: Glass and Radiance

During the last week of August, Liberec shines. Literally. Here, you don’t just see glass behind display cases—you encounter it in galleries, cafés, and town squares. Welcome to Crystal Valley Week.[GM1] Come take a stroll through a city where the tradition of North Bohemian glassmaking blends with contemporary art, and where every piece has its own story.

The atmosphere is unlike any other time of year. Glass installations appear in historic buildings, galleries host exhibitions by contemporary designers, and you can stumble upon live demonstrations of the craft right on the streets. Here, glass isn’t just an exhibit—it becomes part of everyday life.

One of the most memorable experiences will be meeting the artists themselves. Young designers and experienced master glassmakers will talk about their inspirations and how traditional techniques are being adapted to modern design. Come chat with Filip Lukavec at Liberec City Hall or say hello to Jiří Pačinka at the Christmas House.

Where exactly in Liberec will you encounter glass?

During Crystal Valley Week, glass in Liberec isn’t limited to just one place—it permeates the entire city. It appears at more than 30 locations, in gallery spaces and historic buildings, in storefronts and public spaces. Sometimes you’ll stumble upon it unexpectedly; other times, it becomes the main reason to visit a particular spot.

Contemporary design meets tradition here, and delicate artistic creations meet striking installations. Glass enters into a dialogue with architecture and light, transforming the atmosphere of interiors and streets alike. Just stop, look around, and let yourself be guided—that’s the magic of these days.

Visitors don’t need to search for specific addresses. Just walk through the city with your eyes open. Glass will find you on its own during the festival.

Practical Information

Recommended time: Set aside at least one full day—ideally two—so you can take your time exploring everything.

Getting around the city: You can easily reach most locations in the city center on foot.

Program: Check the current festival program—some events (workshops, guided tours) have limited capacity. You can find the program HERE or stop by the information booth on the square, where you can pick up a copy.

Tip: Be sure to come in the evening as well—the illuminated glass installations have a completely different atmosphere.

During Crystal Valley Week, Liberec isn’t just a stopover—it’s an experience. Come take a stroll through a city where glass tells stories on every corner, and let yourself be inspired by the beauty born of fire, sand, and human creativity.

13.8.2026