Pilsner Urquell drinks a toast to ERIH | First ERIH Anchor Point in the Czech Republic

The Pilsner Urquell Brewery and Museum was recognised as the first ERIH Anchor Point in the Czech Republic at a special event held on the 29th April at which the opening of a major new exhibition and tour route was celebrated.

Before more than 100 invited guests David Buckley on behalf of ERIH welcomed the brewery to the ERIH network and presented site plaques to Mike Short, Chief Executive Officer of Plzensky Prazdroj. He thanked ERIH for the plaques and the ERIH recognition which they represented saying that “on this day when we also unveil our new exhibition and tour we are very proud to become a part of the ERIH network of outstanding industrial heritage sites”.

Special guest of the brewery was Antonin Tesarik, Czech Deputy Minister of Culture. He spoke of the historic role that beer had played in the development of Czech cultural life and the enjoyment that visitors from all over the world would get from visiting and experiencing the exhibition and Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour. He also expressed his support for the ERIH network and welcomed the fact that the Czech Republic now had its first Anchor Point at Pilsner Urquell.

The present brewery was opened in 1839 by the citizens of Plzen who had the right to brew beer, replacing numerous small substandard breweries. The objective of producing better quality beer was achieved by Josef Groll in 1842, the first master brewer, who created the world famous Plzen style of beer.

In 1999 SAB Miller, the South African brewery, took over Pilsner Urquell and initiated a major expansion of production. However, high quality beer continues to be produced using the same supply of exceptional quality water and the very best ingredients. It is upon these ingredients (water, barley, hops and yeast) which the new exhibition is focused, being designed to allow visitors to take in the “secret” of brewing Pilsner Urquell with all five senses, offering not just information but an emotional experience.

The company has recognised and protected the historic brewery buildings. It has located the exhibition in the old brew house which has been restored to the way it originally appeared in the early twentieth century. Last year 185,000 visitors toured the site to see the iconic water tower, pump house, packaging plant and a part of the 9 kilometres of underground cellars. In the cellar you can drink unfiltered Pilsner Urquell, an experience only possible here and at one bar in Plzen, brewed and stored in wooden barrels in the cellar in the traditional way.