Muzeum Pierwszych Piastów na Lednicy

About the museum

The Muzeum Początków Państwa Polskiego na Lednicy (Museum of the Origins of the Polish State at Lednica) was established in 1969; its first director was the art historian Jerzy Łomnicki, a researcher and promoter of Ostrów Lednicki. The institution’s task was to protect the island’s monuments, conduct archaeological research and make them accessible to visitors, which made it possible to start a ferry crossing. In 1974 the museum received a new statute and its present name, and construction of the Wielkopolski Park Etnograficzny (Greater Poland Ethnographic Park) in Dziekanowice began on the shore of the lake.

In the 10th century Ostrów Lednicki was one of the most important centres of power of the first Piast rulers. Remains of massive ramparts, a princely palace with a chapel and baptismal pools have survived here, which point to the island as the probable site of the baptism of Mieszko I. In 1994 Ostrów Lednicki was recognised as a Pomnik Historii (Monument of History), and archaeologists are still investigating it today, including underwater.

In the museum’s new seat, the permanent exhibition “Tajemnice początków Polski. Ostrów Lednicki” was opened on 28 August 2026 on about 1,000 square metres. It features more than a thousand authentic artefacts, reconstructions, dioramas and multimedia solutions. Among the exhibits are original bridge beams from 963–964. The building also houses a café, a museum shop and a viewing terrace with a view of the lake and the island.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition “Tajemnice początków Polski. Ostrów Lednicki” with more than a thousand artefacts
• Original bridge beams from 963–964
• Viewing terrace overlooking Lake Lednica and Ostrów Lednicki
• Early Piast residence on Ostrów Lednicki, reachable by ferry (separate ticket)
• AuraNOWA café and museum shop

Permanent exhibitions

• Tajemnice początków Polski. Ostrów Lednicki – Exhibition on about 1,000 m² showing the history of Ostrów Lednicki against the background of the birth of the Polish state, with more than a thousand artefacts, reconstructions and multimedia.
• Wczesnopiastowska Rezydencja na Ostrowie Lednickim – Open-air exhibition on the island with remains of ramparts, the palatium and the chapel, and a reconstruction of an early medieval farmstead.

Founded

1969

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Tuesday (museum seat), Wednesday (Ostrów Lednicki)

Tickets can be bought at the ticket office or online. The museum also runs branches: the Wielkopolski Park Etnograficzny in Dziekanowice, the archaeological reserves in Giecz and Grzybowo, and the windmill in Rogierówek, each with its own ticket. Holders of the Wspólny Bilet Samorządowy Kolei Wielkopolskich (joint municipal ticket of the Greater Poland railways) are entitled to a reduced ticket. Parking is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The building is adapted for people with disabilities: step-free entrance (although a cobbled road leads to the museum), a lift, tactile plans, induction loops at the ticket office and in the conference room, and toilets adapted for people with disabilities. For visually impaired visitors there is a 3D model, tactile graphics and copies of artefacts. Tours and activities can be held with a Polish Sign Language interpreter if arranged in advance. The car park has designated spaces for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Staff are trained to serve families with children, and the museum offers educational games, museum lessons and workshops. The building has a room for a carer with a child, which also serves as a quiet room. During selected activities, copies of artefacts can be touched.

Getting there & parking

The museum lies on the shore of Lake Lednica, by the Poznań–Gniezno road. The ferry to Ostrów Lednicki departs from the landing stage at the branch on the island.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

AuraNOWA café in the museum building, a museum shop and a viewing terrace. In the car park there is an electric-vehicle charging station.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit