Muzeum Ordynariatu Polowego
Free exhibition in the crypt of the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army, on more than a thousand years of military chaplaincy.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museum of the Military Ordinariate was established in December 2010 as a branch of the Warsaw Museum. It is housed in the crypt of the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army at ul. Długa 13/15 and is, according to its description, the only museum in Poland devoted to the history of military chaplaincy.
In 2022 the institution was handed over to the management of the cathedral parish of Our Lady Queen of Poland, and the parish took over its furnishings. The collections owned by the Warsaw Museum were lent to it. The Military Ordinariate now runs the exhibition as the Tradition Hall named after Archbishop Gen. Div. Józef Feliks Gawlina, continuing the former museum.
The exhibition presents the history of military chaplains and clergy cooperating with the army from the Baptism of Poland to the present day, covering Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Jewish and Muslim clergy. The collections include mid-17th-century objects of artistic craftsmanship, field altars, uniforms, liturgical vestments, documents and photographs. A separate place is devoted to the chaplains who died in the Smolensk air disaster in 2010. Organised groups are offered guided tours with a curator.
Highlights
- Exhibition in the crypt of the Field Cathedral of the Polish Army
- History of military chaplaincy from the Baptism of Poland to the present day
- Field altars, uniforms and liturgical vestments
- Chaplains of various faiths: Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Jewish and Muslim
- Free guided tours with a curator for groups
Permanent exhibition
- Dzieje duszpasterstwa wojskowego – Exhibition on the history of military chaplains and clergy cooperating with the army, with field altars, uniforms, liturgical vestments, documents and photographs, and a place devoted to the chaplains who died in the Smolensk air disaster.
- Founded
- 2010
- Operated by
- Ordynariat Polowy Wojska Polskiego (Parafia Katedralna Najświętszej Maryi Panny Królowej Polski)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission to the Tradition Hall is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom
- 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
According to the city museums portal muzea.waw.pl, the exhibition in the crypt is not accessible to wheelchair users and there is no lift, while the toilet downstairs is adapted; access with a pushchair is partial. It is worth confirming accessibility by phone before a visit.
Kids & families
Recommended for ages 12+
| Time needed | approx. 45 min |
|---|
The city museums portal muzea.waw.pl recommends visiting from the age of 12.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Ratusz Arsenał · 4-min walk
Metro line M1: Ratusz Arsenał station (3–5 minutes on foot); trams 15, 16 and 26 stop nearby.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Organised groups are offered guided tours with a curator by prior arrangement. Entry to the exhibition is through the cathedral crypt (from the side of the Katyń Chapel). |
