Muzeum Michała Kajki w Ogródku

About the museum

The Michał Kajka Museum was founded in 1968, in the 110th anniversary year of the poet’s birth, on the initiative of the County Culture Department in Ełk. It is housed in the house that Michał Kajka (1859–1940), the most outstanding Masurian folk poet and co-founder of the Masurian People’s Party, built with his own hands and in which he lived for more than half a century.

Until 1975 the museum was professionally supervised by the District Museum in Białystok, and from 1975 to 2000 it was a branch of the District Museum in Suwałki. Since September 2000 the museum has been a branch of the Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński Museum in Pranie, which is subordinate to the Pisz County Council.

The permanent exhibition is biographical: in chronological order it shows the course of the poet’s life and work, and it also tells the story of Masuria, the work of folk poets and the cultural heritage of the region. Next to the museum is the Masurian Library, with a collection of publications about Masuria. Open-air concerts, meetings, workshops and museum lessons take place on the grounds, and a literary, canoe and cycle trail has been laid out in the area.

Highlights

• The poet’s family home, built by Michał Kajka in 1886
• Chronological biographical exhibition on the poet’s life and work
• Masurian Library with a collection on the region
• Museum lessons, outdoor games and questing
• Location on the shores of the Kraksztyn and Druglin lakes

Permanent exhibition

• Wystawa stała o życiu i twórczości Michała Kajki – The chronological exhibition in the poet’s house presents the course of his life and work, and the wider context of Masurian history and the region’s cultural heritage.

Founded

1968

Operated by

Powiat Piski (oddział Muzeum K. I. Gałczyńskiego w Praniu)

Admission & discounts

In summer open-air concerts take place at the museum; attendance requires a ticket, and prices are announced before each event. A campfire in the museum’s vicinity costs PLN 100 per group (up to 50 people).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: not available
• Sign language tours: not available
• Easy-to-read materials: not available
• Audio description: not available

The main building with the exhibition is not accessible to wheelchair users: the approach to the entrance is unpaved and steep, the additional entrance leads up narrow stairs, and the passages between the rooms are narrow and low and have thresholds. The second building (the Masurian Library and conference room) is accessible to wheelchairs and has a public toilet for persons with disabilities. There is no lift, induction loop or Braille signage. After prior notice by telephone or e-mail, a person with a disability can count on an assistant who will help overcome barriers and show them around the museum. Assistance dogs are allowed in all rooms. There are no marked parking spaces for persons with disabilities in the car park, but they can drive up to the main entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The museum offers museum lessons and outdoor games for children and young people, as well as a family ticket (PLN 30). Highlights include the treasure hunt on the “Łąka Poetów” (Poets’ Meadow), a poetic labyrinth and questing around the area.

Getting there & parking

By car: from the DK16 national road turn off at the village of Klusy towards Ogródek. Ełk and Orzysz are about 15 km away, and about 45 minutes by bicycle.

Amenities & dining

On the grounds an apartment with kitchen and bathroom can be rented for overnight stays.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Available for hire: the fenced grounds with a stage, a fireplace room of 42 m² and a three-room apartment of 70 m². Events such as bonfires, weddings and wedding photo sessions, conferences, training courses, anniversaries, concerts and exhibitions can be held there.

Plan your visit