Muzeum Cechu Rzemiosł Skórzanych

About the museum

The Muzeum Cechu Rzemiosł Skórzanych im. Jana Kilińskiego (Museum of the Guild of Leather Crafts named after Jan Kiliński) was created on the initiative of the guild, which wanted to preserve the memory of disappearing leather trades. It opened in January 1973 in three rooms, and professional curatorial care was provided by the Muzeum Historyczne m.st. Warszawy (Historical Museum of Warsaw). In time the institution received the name of Jan Kiliński, a colonel of the Kościuszko Uprising and patron of the guild. In 1989 the museum was included in the UNESCO Catalogue of World Museums.

The museum is housed in a historic tenement house in the Old Town, which the shoemakers’ guild has owned since 1593. On the ground floor are two former workshops: a shoemaker’s workshop from the 19th century and a saddler’s workshop. A separate part is devoted to Kiliński.

The exhibits include, among others, Kiliński’s belt buckle, miniature models of footwear from 1910–1965, guild statutes signed by King Stanisław August Poniatowski, and post-war finds from excavations in the Old Town.

Highlights

• Former 19th-century shoemaker’s workshop
• Saddler’s workshop
• Memorabilia of Jan Kiliński, including his belt buckle
• Miniature models of footwear from 1910–1965
• Guild statutes signed by Stanisław August

Permanent exhibitions

• Pracownie szewska i rymarska – Two rooms on the ground floor with the equipment of a former 19th-century shoemaker’s workshop and a saddler’s workshop.
• Kącik poświęcony Janowi Kilińskiemu – Part of the exhibition devoted to the patron of the guild, a colonel of the Kościuszko Uprising, with memorabilia of him.

Founded

1973

Operated by

Cech Rzemiosł Skórzanych im. J. Kilińskiego

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free of charge (information from the muzea.waw.pl portal; the guild’s website does not give prices).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is in a historic tenement house with narrow passages and stairs; there are no facilities for people with mobility difficulties (information from the muzea.waw.pl portal).

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is about 2 minutes on foot from the Muzeum Warszawy (Museum of Warsaw) and about 3 minutes from the Zamek Królewski (Royal Castle).

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.