Muzeum Paleontologiczne w Lisowicach
Museum of Late Triassic fossils from Lipie Śląskie, including the Smok z Lisowic (Lisowice Dragon) and the dicynodont Lisowicia bojani.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Paleontological Museum in Lisowice was founded in 2008, two years after excavations began in the clay pit of a brickworks in Lipie Śląskie. The idea came from local residents who recognised the potential of the local discoveries; the first exhibition was created in cooperation with scientists from the Institute of Paleobiology of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the authorities of the Pawonków commune. Since 2021 the museum has been looked after by the Pawonków Municipal Public Library, and after the building was renovated in 2024 the exhibition was moved to the upper floor and redesigned.
The collections come from excavations carried out since 2006 in sediments from the Late Triassic, about 205–210 million years old. The finds include bones of an archosaur named the Wawel Dragon, regarded as the first Polish carnivorous dinosaur, remains of Lisowicia bojani, the largest known dicynodont, and the only tooth of a prassak (Hallautherium) in Poland. Amphibians, fish, freshwater sharks, pterosaurs, coprolites, animal tracks and plant remains have also been found, including 15 new species.
The exhibition in its new arrangement features large-format illustrations as well as interactive and multimedia stations. The museum runs workshops for groups, lessons, screenings and meetings with paleontologists, and every year on 1 May it organises the nationwide Ogólnopolski Bieg Tropami Śląskich Dinozaurów (race along the tracks of Silesian dinosaurs).
Highlights
- remains of the Smok z Lisowic (Lisowice Dragon), the first Polish carnivorous dinosaur
- bones of Lisowicia bojani, the largest known dicynodont
- the only Polish Triassic tooth of a prassak
- interactive and multimedia exhibition on the upper floor
- paleontology workshops for children and groups
Permanent exhibition
- Wystawa paleontologiczna – Exhibition of Late Triassic fossils from the brickworks in Lipie Śląskie, including the Smok z Lisowic, Lisowicia bojani and a prassak tooth.
- Founded
- 2008
- Operated by
- Gminna Biblioteka Publiczna w Pawonkowie (Gmina Pawonków)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 15 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 10 złchildren aged 3–18, pupils and students up to the age of 25, people with disabilities, and pensioners and people receiving disability pensions (on presentation of documents). |
| Children & teens | 10 złfree up to age 3 · Children aged 3 to 18 pay the reduced ticket price. |
| Visitors with disabilities | 10 złcompanion free · Carers of people with disabilities enter free of charge. |
| Workshop “Mały paleontolog w świecie dinozaurów” (magnets), film “Śladami śląskich dinozaurów” | 10 złWorkshops for organised groups. |
| Art and craft workshops (charms, bookmarks, pendants, keyrings, making fossils) | 15 złWorkshops for organised groups. |
The ticket price includes a guided tour or an audio guide. Children under 3, carers of people with disabilities and two supervisors of groups of more than 15 people enter free of charge. Payment can be made in cash, by card or by bank transfer; the museum issues invoices.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: not available
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The building can be reached by stairs and by a lift that makes access easier for wheelchair users. Assistance dogs and guides may enter all rooms. An interpreter for Polish Sign Language (PJM) is not available.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
The exhibition has interactive stations, and in some places fossils can be touched. Thematic workshops adapted to the age of the participants are held for children’s groups.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Lisowice, ul. Napłatki
From Lubliniec you can take a PKS bus to Lisowice (stop at ul. Napłatki); the museum’s website has a timetable for minibuses running to the vicinity of the museum.
It is also possible to travel by car.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The youngest visitors can take small souvenirs home with them.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits are led by a guide (on Saturdays at set times) or made with an audio guide. Bookings for group visits and workshops: tel. +48 663 761 286 or via the form on the museum’s website. |
