Muzeum Okręgowe w Rzeszowie
Museum in the Baroque Piarist complex with galleries of Polish and European painting, applied arts and an exhibition on the Polish soldier from 1914 to 1945.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Muzeum Okręgowe w Rzeszowie was established in 1935 as a social institution; from 1940 it was housed in a townhouse on the Market Square. After 1945 it operated as the Muzeum Miasta Rzeszowa (City of Rzeszów Museum), and since 1951 it has borne its present name. In the early 1950s the Piarist monastery at ul. 3 Maja 19 was assigned to it as its permanent seat; it has been the Main Building (Gmach Główny) since 1953.
The monastery complex was built in 1644–1649 by Zofia Pudencjana Ostrogska for the Bernardine nuns, and after her death it was taken over by the Piarists. The present façade, from around the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, was designed by Tylman z Gameren. Baroque polychromy survives in the cloister arcades on the ground floor, and unique paintings from the late 17th century in the refectory. Next to the monastery stands the church of the Holy Cross, with stuccowork by Jan Chrzciciel Falconi from 1656–1657.
The museum is a multi-branch institution with departments of archaeology, history, art and ethnography. Besides the Main Building it runs branches: the Muzeum Historii Miasta Rzeszowa (Museum of the History of the City of Rzeszów) and the Muzeum Etnograficzne im. F. Kotuli (F. Kotula Ethnographic Museum) at Rynek 6. The Main Building displays permanent galleries of painting and applied arts, an exhibition on the Polish soldier, and temporary exhibitions from the museum’s collection.
Highlights
- Gallery of Polish Painting – paintings from the 18th century to 1939
- Gallery of European Painting presenting the development of painting schools in chronological order
- Gallery of Applied Arts with furniture, ceramics and glass
- Exhibition “Żołnierz polski 1914–1945” (The Polish Soldier 1914–1945) from the collection of Jan Partyka
- Baroque polychromy in the cloisters and refectory of the former monastery
Permanent exhibitions
- Galeria Malarstwa Polskiego – Oil paintings from the 18th century to 1939, arranged chronologically and by theme: portraits, landscapes, vedute, genre scenes and still lifes.
- Galeria Malarstwa Europejskiego – The exhibition shows the evolution of European painting schools without division into national schools.
- Żołnierz polski 1914–1945. Kolekcja Jana Partyki – Four halls present the successive stages of the struggle for independence: decorations, weapons, uniforms and memorabilia of soldiers connected with the region.
- Founded
- 1935
- Director
- Bogdan Kaczmar
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 15 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 12 złPersons entitled to a reduction; upon presenting the Ogólnopolska Karta Seniora (National Senior Card), an additional 25% discount applies to the reduced ticket. |
| Groups (5+ people) | –The ticket for organised groups with a guide applies from 5 people. |
| Standard ticket with a guide | 25 złFor organised groups, min. 5 people. |
| Reduced ticket with a guide | 22 złFor organised groups, min. 5 people. |
| Ticket for temporary exhibitions | 10 złWith a guide PLN 20 for organised groups. |
| Guided tour for individual visitors (group of up to 5 people) | 35 zł |
| Ticket for lectures, talks and thematic meetings | 10 zł |
| Special ticket for residents of senior care homes and support centres | 5 zł |
Free admission: On Tuesdays admission to the permanent exhibitions is free; a ticket of PLN 10 applies to the temporary exhibitions.
Prices valid from 2 January 2025. Tickets for workshops, lectures and thematic meetings entitle holders to visit the exhibitions.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom
- 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 main entrance from ul. 3 Maja is at pavement level and allows wheelchair access, and the corridors are wide enough. There is no lift in the building. Toilets for people with disabilities are on the ground floor. There are no Braille or high-contrast markings. Entry with an assistance dog and a guide dog is guaranteed. Near the building there is a parking zone with spaces for people with disabilities.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
The museum runs workshops for children and families, including ceramics workshops. Family tickets for workshops (1+1) are available, with a supplement for each additional child up to the age of 15.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in the centre of Rzeszów. It can be reached by public transport, and there are public car parks and a paid parking zone nearby.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Coat check
- Lockers
Free cloakroom with lockers for backpacks and large bags; the exhibitions can be visited after leaving outerwear and umbrellas.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Up to 50 guests.
A conference room of 66 m² on the first floor of the administrative building: up to 50 people in a horseshoe arrangement, up to 25 in a classroom arrangement; equipped with a projector, sound system and internet.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography is permitted only for private use, without a tripod or flash; in some places it may be prohibited. |
| Good to know | Museum lessons in the Main Building are booked through the secretary’s office, tel. +48 17 853 52 78, Monday to Friday 7:30–15:30, at least one week in advance. Sessions last up to 60 minutes (workshops up to 90 minutes), and a group may have up to 30 people. Animals may not be brought into the museum, except guide dogs. |
