The Habsburgs and their hobbies of the time

Many Habsburgs became famous for their diplomatic and military skills or ecclesiastical careers, but among them we also find great patrons and collectors, as well as talented artists, architects, painters, writers, actors and musicians. Some became famous for their scientific erudition, others for their craftsmanship, and still others for their sporting achievements. This lecture on the Habsburgs' interests and hobbies focuses on presenting the artistic and scientific achievements of selected members of the family, but also pays attention to their more unusual "talents". It will introduce the Habsburg founder of the Czech Egyptological Collections, the Vítkovice Ironworks and the Polabské Ethnographic Museum, the landscape architect of Brandýs Castle, and monarchs who enjoyed puppetry, carpentry and bookbinding. It will recall important travellers, boatmen, tourists, car racers and mention other unusual "Habsburg interests". Lecture by Jaroslava Šiftová.