Muzeum Sanktuaryjne w Piekarach Śląskich

About the museum

The Sanctuary Museum in Piekary Śląskie was opened to pilgrims and parishioners on 12 September 2009, during the jubilee of the 350th anniversary of the cult of Our Lady of Piekary. The museum operates within the sanctuary of Matka Sprawiedliwości i Miłości Społecznej (Mother of Justice and Social Love); its establishment was initiated by the basilica’s parish priest, Fr. Władysław Nieszporek.

The exhibition is divided into three rooms. The main room presents the history of the cult and the fate of the image of the Madonna of Piekary, including a stone baptismal font from 1303, replicas of the three crowns placed on the image from 1925 onwards, numerous images of the Virgin Mary, votive offerings and gifts from pilgrims, among them gifts from King John III Sobieski, former parish priests and Silesian scouts and miners. The most valuable votive offering is an 18th-century monstrance of Empress Eleonora.

The papal room recalls the ties between Karol Wojtyła, later John Paul II, and Piekary, which he visited many times between 1965 and 1978. It shows, among other things, the votive offerings he left: a golden rosary, a stole and a candle with the papal coat of arms. The third room contains historic wooden sculptures which once decorated the chapels of the Piekary Calvary. On the ground floor there is a hall used for concerts and meetings.

Highlights

• history of the cult and image of Our Lady of Piekary
• replicas of the crowns and an 18th-century monstrance of Empress Eleonora
• papal room with votive offerings of John Paul II
• sculptures from the chapels of the Piekary Calvary
• guided tour with a sanctuary guide

Permanent exhibition

• Wystawa stała Muzeum Sanktuaryjnego – Three rooms: the history of the cult and image of Our Lady of Piekary, memorabilia connected with John Paul II, and exhibits from the Calvary chapels.

Founded

2009

Operated by

Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Piekarskiej (Bazylika w Piekarach Śląskich)

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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

No information on the accessibility of the museum has been found on the sanctuary’s website.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

The museum has a sacred-historical character; visits are made with a guide.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located by the basilica in Piekary Śląskie, near the Pilgrimage Centre.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

At the Pilgrimage Centre there is a café, the Ogród Anioła (Garden of the Angel) and a point of sale for books, CDs and postcards; the centre also provides a toilet.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit