Muzeum Pogranicza Śląsko-Łużyckiego

About the museum

Museum traditions in Żary date back to the second half of the 19th century. In 1888 the Żary Historical Society organised the first permanent exhibition from its collections, and in 1930 the collection was moved to Biberstein Castle. After the bombing of the town in April 1944 and the entry of the Red Army, most of the exhibits were looted and lost.

Only in 2005 was a museum department, the Gabinet Historii Miasta (Town History Cabinet), set up at the Municipal Public Library. It took over regional collections from Żary collectors and mementos of the disbanded Polish Army units. On this basis the Muzeum Pogranicza Śląsko-Łużyckiego (Silesian-Lusatian Borderland Museum) was created, officially opened on 1 July 2013. It is an independent municipal cultural institution subordinate to the town.

The museum is currently housed in the historic building of the former superintendency at pl. kard. Stefana Wyszyńskiego 2. The older, Gothic part dates from the 15th century, and the younger part was added in the first half of the 16th century. During the stay of the composer Georg Philipp Telemann in Żary, his friend, the poet Erdmann Neumeister, served here as superintendent.

The collections include archaeological finds from the area around Żary and Lubsko, Żary porcelain, Mirostowice ceramics, early printed books, maps, postcards, coins, and documents and mementos connected with the Żary military units. Among other things, a permanent exhibition on the Żary garrison from 1945 to 2001 has been prepared for visitors.

Highlights

• Żary porcelain from the factory founded in 1888
• Mirostowice ceramics and archaeological finds from Żary and Lubsko
• Permanent exhibition “Historia Garnizonu Żary 1945–2001” (History of the Żary Garrison)
• Gothic building of the former superintendency, dating from the 15th century
• Free admission on Tuesdays

Permanent exhibitions

• Historia Garnizonu Żary 1945–2001 – Permanent exhibition on the Żary military units: soldiers' equipment, uniforms, decorations, documents and photographs, 326 museum objects in total.
• Żarska porcelana – Collection of products of the former Żary porcelain factory, founded in 1888, together with the history of the works.

Founded

2013

Operated by

Miasto Żary

Director

dr Rafał Szymczak

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On Tuesdays admission to the museum is free.

From 1 February 2024 admission is charged, except on Tuesdays. The detailed price list and visiting rules are on the museum's website.

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
• 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. The visitors' toilet on the first floor is adapted for people with disabilities. Entry with an assistance dog is possible; a sign language interpreter must be requested 7 days in advance. The museum has no designated disabled parking spaces, but vehicles can drive onto the square in front of the building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

A family ticket 2+2 is available, as well as workshops and museum lessons, including eco-workshops for children from age 6. The building has stairs and no lift, which makes visits with a pushchair difficult.

Getting there & parking

The museum is reached via a square paved with cobblestones; the nearest pedestrian crossing is about 30 m from the main gate.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum has a shop selling souvenirs, publications and postcards. The cloakroom is next to the toilet.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit