The museum, established in 1930, took its foundation from the artefacts that had been collected for the Ethnographic Exhibition in Prague in 1895. The permanent exhibitions present part of the rich collection related to the history of Vysoké nad Jizerou. The town is mainly known for skiing and for the still-living tradition of amateur theatre (the latter with the oldest roots in the Czech Republic). They show the history of Nístějka Castle, medieval glass production, as well as craft and agricultural production with merchandise samples. Visitors can see the clothes and furniture of the townspeople, but also an ordinary villagers’ room, which always included a loom, a spinning wheel and a “klemprda” – a device for beads cutting – as well as other devices for threading beads. They can still be found in many households today.

In the houses one could also come across large sewing machines used for the handicraft production of “Vysockie backory” or “backy” (“Vysokie slippers”), typical for the region. It was an offshoot of the shoemaking trade, and these shoes were very popular in the area due to their low price and practicality. They were made of old rugs, worn winter coats and flannel clothes. All that was glued and sewn from several layers, which is why the slippers were warm and partially waterproof.

Local “nativity scene” traditions can be admired, with the examples of Hanuš’s crib and the museum’s greatest attraction – Jan Metelka’s movable nativity scene from the end of the 19th century. Throughout the museum, visitors are accompanied by numerous figures of Karkonosz – the legendary ruler of Karkonosze mountains.