Muzeum Historyczno-Etnograficzne w Chojnicach
A regional museum in medieval towers and the Człuchów Gate, with exhibitions on the archaeology, history, ethnography and art of Chojnice.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Muzeum Regionalne w Chojnicach (Regional Museum in Chojnice) opened on 5 August 1932 on the initiative of Julian Rydzkowski, in a house by the Market Square. During the Second World War most of the collections were destroyed. The museum was reactivated in 1960, and from 1962 its seat has been the Człuchów Gate (Brama Człuchowska) in the medieval city walls.
The gate was built in the first half of the 14th century. From 1618 until the end of the 19th century it served as a prison, and later, until 1945, as a bell tower for the churches. Its interior was rebuilt in 1952–1960 and fitted out as exhibition rooms. Over time the museum took over further buildings within the walls: the Wronia Tower (Baszta Wronia), the Shoemakers’ House (Dom Szewski), the Shoemakers’ Tower (Baszta Szewska), the Kurza Stopa Tower (Baszta Kurza Stopa) and the House on the Walls (Dom na Murach). In 1984 the Gallery of Contemporary Polish Art was opened in Kurza Stopa. In the same year the institution took the name Muzeum Historyczno-Etnograficzne (Historical and Ethnographic Museum). Since 2012 it has borne the name of its founder.
In the Człuchów Gate, four permanent exhibitions are displayed on five floors: archaeological, ethnographic, historical and art, as well as a hall for temporary exhibitions. The museum’s collections are held in the departments of archaeology, history, ethnography and art, and in the special collections with the library. A separate exhibition is the historical and regional collection of Albin Makowski, set up in the former flat of the collector.
Highlights
- four permanent exhibitions in the 14th-century Człuchów Gate: archaeology, ethnography, history and art
- medieval towers and city walls of Chojnice
- Gallery of Contemporary Polish Art in the Kurza Stopa Tower
- historical and regional collection of Albin Makowski in the collector’s former flat
- polyphon (mechanical music box) that can be started for an additional fee
Permanent exhibitions
- Wystawy stałe w Bramie Człuchowskiej – Four permanent exhibitions on five floors: archaeological, ethnographic, historical and art.
- Galeria Współczesnej Sztuki Polskiej w Baszcie Kurza Stopa – An exhibition of contemporary art in the two-storey tower, also used for temporary exhibitions.
- Kolekcja historyczno-regionalna Albina Makowskiego – Regional collections in the former flat of the collector at ul. Drzymały 5.
- Founded
- 1932
- Operated by
- Powiat Chojnicki (samorządowa instytucja kultury)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 15 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 13 złpupils, students up to the age of 25 and doctoral students, pensioners, disability pensioners, people with disabilities with their carers, veterans, holders of the Large Family Card (Karta Dużej Rodziny) and of the Euro 26 Card (Karta Euro 26) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 6 · Children up to the age of 7 who visit under adult supervision enter free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | 13 złCarers of people with disabilities also pay the reduced price. |
| Students & apprentices | 13 złPupils and students up to the age of 25, and doctoral students. |
| Families | 30 złFamily ticket for up to 5 people, including at least two adults and a child. |
| EURO ticket | 5 zł |
| Starting the polyphon | 3 zł |
| Museum lesson (groups of up to 25 people, supervisors free) | 12 złPrice per person. |
| Museum workshops (groups of up to 20 people, supervisors free) | 16 złPrice per person. |
| Museum guide service | 50 złAvailable by prior booking. |
| Guide to other buildings in the city | 120 złPrice per hour. |
| Albin Makowski collection – standard ticket | 10 złAfter telephone notification. |
| Albin Makowski collection – reduced ticket | 8 zł |
Free admission: On Wednesdays admission to the museum is free.
The prices apply to the Człuchów Gate, the Kurza Stopa Tower and the Shoemakers’ House. Free admission is available, among others, to holders of the Karta Polaka (Polish Card), museum employees, members of ICOM and ICOMOS, and teachers who are group supervisors.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The main seat in the Człuchów Gate has no lift and is not accessible to wheelchair users: the entrance from the east is up three steps with a handrail, and the exhibitions on five floors are reached by stairs with handrails; an adapted toilet is on the second floor. The Shoemakers’ House and Kurza Stopa are partly accessible from street level, and the entrance to the Makowski collection leads up five steps. There are accessible parking spaces nearby (ul. Mickiewicza and Młyńska Street). The museum has no induction loops or Polish sign language interpreter; assistance dogs may enter the buildings.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | 30 zł · Family ticket for up to 5 people, including at least two adults and a child. |
- Family tours & workshops
The museum runs museum lessons and workshops for children and young people and offers a family ticket; a polyphon can be started in the Człuchów Gate.
Getting there & parking
By car
- Accessible parking
The museum lies within the medieval defensive walls at ul. Podmurna in the centre of Chojnice.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Coat check
Outerwear, bags, backpacks, umbrellas and drinks must be left at the reception desk.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photographing and filming exhibits is permitted for personal use only, without flashes, additional light sources or tripods. |
| Good to know | Organised groups of up to 25 people are guided by museum guides; booking at the ticket office or by telephone (tel. 52 397 23 19, ext. 22). Animals may not be brought onto the museum grounds, except for assistance dogs. |
