Muzeum Diecezjalne w Opolu
Museum of sacred art in Opole, with a collection of Gothic sculptures, paintings and liturgical vessels, and exhibitions of contemporary art.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The idea of founding the Diocesan Museum in Opole arose in 1978 on the initiative of Bishop Alfons Nossol, who began efforts to build the premises and organise the institution. The design of the building was entrusted to the Opole architect Zdzisław Budziński. The museum was established on 31 August 1984; its first director, the art historian Rev. Piotr Paweł Maniurka, led it until October 2022. The solemn opening took place on 21 November 1987.
The museum’s task is to collect, protect, conserve and display sacred objects created in the Opole region, as well as monuments brought from the former Archdioceses of Lviv and Vilnius, the Diocese of Łuck and part of the former Diocese of Olomouc. The institution also promotes contemporary religious art and organises temporary exhibitions, chamber concerts, poetry evenings and theatre performances.
Two rooms present the most valuable works of sacred art: sculpture, painting, decorative arts, and manuscripts and early printed books. The sculpture room on the ground floor is devoted mainly to Gothic sculpture, while the Eucharistic room displays liturgical vessels made in Silesian goldsmiths’ workshops, including Baroque chalices, monstrances and reliquaries by goldsmiths from Nysa. In the rooms, visitors can also see works of art being conserved.
Highlights
- Gothic Madonna and Child from 1375, from the circle of the Prague school of the Parlers
- Pietà from the chapel of St Alexis in Opole, from 1507, referring to the workshop of Wit Stwosz
- Painting of the Madonna and Child in a rose garden, from the circle of Martin Schongauer
- Baroque chalices, monstrances and reliquaries by goldsmiths from Nysa
- Contemporary art exhibitions and concerts from the series “Muzeum Dźwięków”
Permanent exhibitions
- Sala rzeźby – Room on the ground floor devoted mainly to Gothic sculpture, with images of the Madonna and saints, as well as paintings, liturgical books and Gothic chasubles.
- Sala eucharystyczna – Exhibition of liturgical vessels from Silesian goldsmiths’ workshops, including Baroque chalices, monstrances and reliquaries.
- Founded
- 1987
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 10 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 5 złschool children |
| Children & teens | 5 złticket for school children |
Adult ticket PLN 10, school child ticket PLN 5.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- 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
One parking space for people with disabilities is designated in front of the museum’s gate from ul. Książąt Opolskich; after prior contact it is also possible to park on the museum grounds. In front of the entrance there is a platform for wheelchair users; inside there are a lift and a toilet for people with disabilities, and a wheelchair is available on request in the cloakroom.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Coat check
The building has a cloakroom.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Up to 240 guests.
Available for hire: an auditorium for 240 people with a stage and technical facilities, and a chamber room for 70 people with a piano, where the permanent exhibition is housed; catering can be arranged in the corridor in front of the auditorium. Booking by phone or email.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visits require prior contact by phone or email. School groups can take part in art lessons and workshops held in the museum’s rooms. |
