Muzeum Zamków Królewskich w Szydłowie

About the museum

The Muzeum Regionalne w Szydłowie (Regional Museum in Szydłów) opened on 28 May 1961 in the building known as the Skarbczyk, which belongs to the complex of the royal castle. For decades it housed geological, archaeological and historical collections as well as a library. Until 2018 the building served as a library and museum; after the interiors were rebuilt at the end of 2019, a new thematic museum was created there: the Muzeum Zamków Królewskich (Museum of Royal Castles).

The Skarbczyk has a complex history. At the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries a round tower of final defence stood here. In the mid-14th century, during the construction of the town walls under Casimir the Great, it was replaced by a new tower shifted by almost a metre. In the 15th century a residential tower was added, and in the first half of the 16th century, under starosta Krzysztof Szydłowiecki, the whole building was rebuilt in Renaissance form. For many years it was a picturesque ruin; its use was restored at the end of the 1950s. The foundations of both towers are visible on the site.

The current exhibition presents the history of the Szydłów castle against the background of European castles. Visitors can see ten castle models and figures in period costume, including Casimir the Great, Władysław Jagiełło and Zawisza Czarny, as well as installations showing the castle cellar and the operation of a hypocaust furnace. The touch screens contain games and apps such as “Oblężenie zamku” (Siege of the Castle) and “Turniej rycerski” (Knights’ Tournament). A separate section features finds from the archaeological excavations of the castle: coins, tools, items of clothing and weapons, tiles and ceramic vessels.

Highlights

• Ten castle models
• Figures of Casimir the Great, Władysław Jagiełło and Zawisza Czarny
• Multimedia and games for children and adults
• Archaeological finds from the Szydłów castle
• Renaissance Skarbczyk with the foundations of medieval towers

Permanent exhibition

• Muzeum Zamków Królewskich – Exhibition on the Szydłów castle against the background of European castles: models, figures in period costume, installations, multimedia and finds from archaeological excavations.

Founded

2019

Operated by

Gmina Szydłów (Gminne Centrum Kultury w Szydłowie)

Admission & discounts

The price given is for the ticket to the castle square, which covers the castle and the Muzeum Zamków Królewskich. Free admission is also available for guides, bus drivers, supervisors (1 per 10 charges), veterans and registered residents of the town and municipality of Szydłów. Tickets are sold at the tourist information points (car park at ul. Staszowska 12, the Castle Gate at ul. Szkolna 7, the synagogue at ul. Targowa 3); payment in cash or by card.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

The organiser states that the tourist information points, the royal castle, the synagogue, and the church and hospital of the Holy Spirit are adapted for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The exhibition has an extensive multimedia layer for children and adults, including games on touch screens. Castle workshops (for example decorating shields, swords, boxes and jewellery) and outdoor games are organised for groups of children and young people; booking is required.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The tourist information points sell souvenirs and plum specialities. Toilets on the castle square are free for ticket holders.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit