Muzeum Przemysłu Naftowego i Gazowniczego im. Ignacego Łukasiewicza w Bóbrce

About the museum

The oil mine in Bóbrka near Krosno was founded in 1854 by Ignacy Łukasiewicz together with Tytus Trzecieski and Karol Klobassa-Zrencki. It is considered the oldest oil mine in the world that is still in operation: two boreholes, Opal-19 and Opal-20, and the “Janina” pit are still being worked. In the middle of the site stands a stone obelisk which Łukasiewicz erected in 1872 to commemorate the founding of the mine.

The museum occupies more than 20 hectares in the Bóbrka forest. Visitors see the 19th-century pits “Franek” and “Janina”, a historic mechanical workshop from 1864, a wooden forge from 1856 and the administrative building known as Dom Łukasiewicza (Łukasiewicz’s House), with a pharmacy display, a collection of paraffin lamps and a geological exhibition. The site also contains drilling rigs, including a Canadian rig from 1885 driven by a traction engine, a boiler house, pumps, horse gins (kieraty), gas meters and laboratory apparatus.

The museum conducts scientific, publishing and educational work: museum lessons in the Naftuś building, guided routes of different lengths, and a free app that serves as an audio guide. The museum is run by the Fundacja Muzeum Przemysłu Naftowego i Gazowniczego im. Ignacego Łukasiewicza (Ignacy Łukasiewicz Museum of the Oil and Gas Industry Foundation).

Highlights

• The oldest oil mine in the world still in operation (since 1854)
• The “Franek” and “Janina” pits and Łukasiewicz’s obelisk from 1872
• Łukasiewicz’s House with a pharmacy display and a collection of paraffin lamps
• Canadian drilling rig from 1885, forge and mechanical workshop
• Guided routes, including tours by MELEX vehicle
• Audio guide app in Polish, English, German and Russian

Permanent exhibitions

• Ekspozycja plenerowa kopalni w Bóbrce – Pits, shafts, drilling rigs, forge, workshop and other equipment of the oil and gas industry, spread over more than 20 hectares.
• Dom Łukasiewicza – Historic administrative building from 1864 with a pharmacy display, a collection of paraffin lamps, photographs and a geological collection.

Founded

1961

Operated by

Fundacja Muzeum Przemysłu Naftowego i Gazowniczego im. Ignacego Łukasiewicza

Director

Barbara Olejarz

Admission & discounts

Pupils of schools named after Ignacy Łukasiewicz and employees of other museums also enter free of charge. The price list applies from 1 September 2026.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site is fenced and the paths are asphalted or paved, but some have been covered with gravel, which makes it hard for wheelchair users to get around. The historic wooden buildings have thresholds and are generally not adapted for wheelchairs, so a visit with a companion or a guide is recommended. Near the car park there is an accessible toilet with a changing table; the toilets in the Kanadyjka and Naftuś buildings are not adapted. People with disabilities can use the MELEX vehicles. There is no induction loop and no tactile maps.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The museum runs museum lessons (approx. 60 minutes) in the Naftuś building, during which children can look at and touch the exhibits, and the “Spacer z Ignacym Łukasiewiczem” (Walk with Ignacy Łukasiewicz) programme for families. There is a playground by the Kanadyjka building. Children under 7 enter free of charge.

Getting there & parking

The museum has a free car park at the entrance. Navigation address: ul. Kopalniana 35, 38-458 Chorkówka (Bóbrka). The site lies in the commune of Chorkówka, near Krosno.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The ticket office with a souvenir shop is just behind the car park. For organised groups a meal can be ordered in the replica of the Canadian drilling rig (“Kanadyjka”).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 600 guests.

Conference rooms in the exhibition pavilion (large hall 266.5 m², small hall 65 m²); because of the pavilion renovation, the offer is arranged individually.

Plan your visit