Muzeum Browaru Żywiec

About the museum

The Muzeum Browaru Żywiec is housed in the former lager cellars of the Archducal Brewery on the site of the plant at 88 ul. Browarna and covers more than 1,600 square metres. Its owner is the Grupa Żywiec company. The exhibition tells the story of more than seven hundred years of brewing tradition in the Żywiec region, whose beginnings go back to the time when Żywiec already had town rights and several small breweries operated in the town and at the castle.

For 93 years the brewery belonged to the Żywiec Habsburgs: Archduke Albrecht Friedrich founded it, other archdukes ran it after him, and in 1945 the family lost the estate. During the Second World War the plant was taken over by a German trusteeship and operated under the name “Beskidenbrauerei Saybusch”. In spring 1945 employees damaged the cables to the explosive charges and saved the brewery from being blown up. In 1956 production began of export beer with a label showing a dancing couple, which became the emblem of the national Żywiec brand.

In the museum visitors learn about historical brewing technologies, the history of packaging, bottle caps and advertising, and the myths about beer are dispelled. The visit lasts about an hour, including beer, juice or non-alcoholic beer, which is included in the ticket price. A separate attraction, available by reservation, is a tour of the production plant.

Highlights

• Exhibition in the former lager cellars, over 1,600 m²
• History of brewing in the Żywiec region and of the Archducal Brewery
• Guided or audio-guided tours in five languages
• Beer or juice tasting included in the ticket price
• Labels, bottle caps, postcards and advertising of Żywiec
• Optional tour of the production plant

Permanent exhibition

• Muzeum Browaru Żywiec – ekspozycja stała – History of brewing in the Żywiec region and of the Archducal Brewery in Żywiec, from the Habsburgs to the Żywiec brand, in the former lager cellars.

Founded

2006

Operated by

Grupa Żywiec Sp. z o.o.

Admission & discounts

The price stated applies to the guided tour and includes beer, 0.0% beer or juice (adults), or juice (minors).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 museum has been prepared so that people with disabilities can visit it too. The production plant (brewery tour) is not adapted for people with disabilities. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed in the museum and on the brewery grounds.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

Children under 4 enter free of charge; minors visit under adult supervision and receive juice included in the price. The subject matter and the tasting are mainly aimed at adults.

Getting there & parking

From Bielsko-Biała and Katowice, take the S1 expressway and leave at the “Browar” exit (the next one after the “Żywiec” exit), which avoids driving through the town.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

The museum has a small souvenir shop. It does not run a restaurant, but directly after the exit is The Legendary Żywiec Pub & Restaurant.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit