Muzeum Sztuki Azji – Kamienica pod Gwiazdą

About the museum

The Museum of Asian Art is housed in the Kamienica pod Gwiazdą (House under the Star) at Rynek Staromiejski 35. The townhouse dates from the Middle Ages and was rebuilt several times later. It retains Gothic walls, a richly decorated Baroque façade, a spiral wooden staircase with figures of Minerva and a lion, and polychrome Mannerist ceilings. It is regarded as one of the best-preserved patrician houses in Poland.

In 1970 the Muzeum Sztuki Dalekiego Wschodu (Museum of Far Eastern Art) opened here, with the first permanent exhibition of Far Eastern art in Poland. It was made possible by the collector Tadeusz Wierzejski, one of the largest donors to Polish museums after the Second World War. His collection contains the most valuable objects of the exhibition “Świat Orientu” (The World of the Orient): Chinese bronzes more than three thousand years old, porcelain, carvings and vessels of nephrite, agate and steatite, Tang-period terracotta figurines and stone reliefs. The collections also include Japanese and Tibetan prints and objects from India, Thailand and Vietnam.

In 2026 the museum changed its name to Muzeum Sztuki Azji – Kamienica pod Gwiazdą (Museum of Asian Art – House under the Star), reflecting the broader scope of the collection. A more than 200 m² oriental garden was laid out in the courtyard, with a wooden pavilion where tea ceremonies and educational activities have been held since 2009; the garden is currently closed to visitors due to technical works.

Highlights

• “Świat Orientu” (The World of the Orient) exhibition from the Tadeusz Wierzejski collection
• Chinese bronzes more than three thousand years old
• Far Eastern porcelain and carvings in nephrite, agate and steatite
• Tang-period terracotta figurines
• Japanese and Tibetan prints
• Townhouse with a Baroque façade, painted ceilings and wooden staircase

Permanent exhibition

• Świat Orientu – Permanent exhibition from the Tadeusz Wierzejski collection: Chinese and Japanese decorative arts, porcelain, sculptures, bronzes and prints.

Founded

1970

Operated by

Muzeum Okręgowe w Toruniu

Director

Aleksandra Mierzejewska

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On Wednesdays admission to the permanent and temporary exhibitions is free.

The standard ticket of PLN 30 and the reduced ticket of PLN 25 are valid for both the Museum of Asian Art and the Tony Halik Museum of Travellers (Muzeum Podróżników im. Tony’ego Halika); both are branches of the Toruń District Museum (Muzeum Okręgowe w Toruniu).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• 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

According to the museum’s accessibility statement, Kamienica pod Gwiazdą is not adapted for people with disabilities due to architectural barriers.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Educational activities and children’s birthday parties in an oriental style are held in the wooden pavilion in the garden; the garden is currently closed to visitors.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit