Muzeum Pogranicza Śląsko-Łużyckiego w Żarach
Municipal regional museum in the Gothic former superintendency building, with archaeology, Żary porcelain and an exhibition on the history of the Żary garrison.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Museum traditions in Żary go back to the second half of the 19th century: in 1888 the Żary Historical Society set up the first permanent exhibition, which was later turned into a museum. In 1930 the collections were moved to Biberstein Castle, and after the wartime damage and looting of 1945 most of the collection was lost. For decades it was not possible to rebuild the museum.
In 2005 a museum department, the Town History Cabinet (Gabinet Historii Miasta), was set up at the Municipal Public Library, where donations from local collectors and memorabilia of Żary army units were gathered. On this basis the Muzeum Pogranicza Śląsko-Łużyckiego was created, officially opened on 1 July 2013 at ul. Ogrodowa 2. The institution is now housed in the historic building of the former superintendency at pl. kard. Stefana Wyszyńskiego 2; its older Gothic part dates from the 15th century and its younger part from the first half of the 16th century. The museum is a local government cultural institution subordinate to the town of Żary.
The collections cover archaeology, history, ethnography and art of the Silesian-Lusatian borderland. A special place is occupied by the collection of Żary porcelain from the former factory founded in 1888, Mirostowice ceramics, archaeological finds from the vicinity of Żary and Lubsko, early printed books, maps, postcards, coins, and documents and memorabilia related to the Żary garrison from 1945 to 2001.
Highlights
- Gothic building of the former superintendency from the 15th century
- Collection of Żary porcelain from the factory founded in 1888
- Permanent exhibition “History of the Żary Garrison 1945–2001” with over 300 exhibits
- Mirostowice ceramics and archaeological finds from the vicinity of Żary and Lubsko
- Tuesdays with free admission
Permanent exhibitions
- Historia Garnizonu Żary 1945–2001 – Permanent exhibition on the Żary garrison and its units, with 326 objects: soldiers’ equipment, uniforms, decorations, documents and photographs.
- Żarska porcelana – Collection of products from the former porcelain factory in Żary, founded in 1888, together with the history of the works up to the end of the Second World War.
- Founded
- 2013
- Operated by
- Miasto Żary (samorządowa instytucja kultury)
- Director
- Rafał Szymczak
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 10 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 7 złseniors 60+, pupils and students up to age 26; children and young people up to 18 in July and August |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 6 · children up to 7 enter free of charge; children and young people up to 18 enter free except in July and August (when the reduced ticket applies). |
| Seniors | 7 złseniors 60+: reduced ticket. |
| Students & apprentices | 7 złpupils and students up to age 26: reduced ticket. |
| Groups (10+ people) | 8 zł per personreduced group ticket: PLN 6 per person; a group is 10 to 25 people. |
| Families | 26 złfamily ticket 2+2. Holders of the Large Family Card: standard ticket PLN 7, reduced ticket PLN 5. |
| Guided tour with a museum guide – standard ticket | 18 złreduced ticket PLN 15; the surcharge to the admission ticket is PLN 10. |
| Guided tour for a group with a museum guide | 50 złgroup fee for up to 25 people; registration at least 4 days in advance at muzeum@muzeumzary.pl. |
Free admission: Admission to the museum is free on Tuesdays.
Since 1 February 2024 admission to the museum has been charged (except on Tuesdays).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: not available
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The historic building is not adapted for wheelchair users: the exhibitions are on two floors reached by stairs, and there is no lift or platform. An adapted toilet is on the first floor. The museum has no designated parking spaces for people with disabilities, but vehicles can drive onto the square in front of the building. Entry with an assistance dog is possible. A sign language interpreter must be requested 7 days in advance.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | 26 zł · family ticket 2+2. Holders of the Large Family Card: standard ticket PLN 7, reduced ticket PLN 5. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly: not available
The museum organises museum lessons and workshops and offers a 2+2 family ticket. The building has only stairs, so entry with a pushchair is not possible.
Getting there & parking
By car
The museum has no designated parking spaces of its own; vehicles can drive onto the square in front of the building and park there, and the side entrance leads through the car park for cars.
- Accessible parking: not available
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum has a small shop selling souvenirs, publications and postcards.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours with a museum guide are possible for an additional fee; groups register by email. The museum runs museum lessons and workshops, history walks around the town and events such as Museum Night. |
