Muzeum Wojska, Wojskowości i Ziemi Orzyskiej w Orzyszu

About the museum

The Museum of the Army, Military Affairs and the Orzysz Land (Muzeum Wojska, Wojskowości i Ziemi Orzyskiej) was established on 17 June 2015. Its main aim is to promote and cherish the history of Orzysz, and to popularise knowledge about cultural heritage and science. The institution steadily expands its exhibition spaces and its offer, among other things thanks to co-funding from programmes of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, which is financing the construction of a Museum and Educational Centre.

The museum is housed in a complex consisting of a townhouse from the early 20th century and a reconstructed neighbouring building, connected by a link. The permanent exhibition shows a model of a unique lake-dwelling settlement, traces the oldest history of these lands, and presents the course of events in Orzysz and the surrounding area, including the development of the military garrison. A diorama of the old market square takes visitors back to an interwar Masurian town, and a separate exhibition presents uniforms and equipment of the army from various periods, miniatures of military vehicles and rare souvenirs linked to compulsory military service.

Most of the collections come from donations by private individuals. The largest group consists of historical and archival collections connected with the garrison operating here from 1753, and from 1891 also with the military training ground, as well as a collection of nearly a thousand postcards with views of the town, the oldest of which is a lithograph from 1897. The museum organises temporary exhibitions, a historical picnic in August, the Museums’ Night, lessons and classes; it also has a tourist information point, a virtual shooting range and the publication series “Krajobraz kulturowy Ziemi Orzyskiej” (“Cultural Landscape of the Orzysz Land”).

Highlights

• Model of a unique lake-dwelling settlement
• Diorama of the old market square of Orzysz from the interwar period
• Exhibition of uniforms and equipment of the army from different periods
• Collection of almost a thousand postcards with views of the town
• Virtual shooting range and the Strefa SOWA (SOWA Zone) for children
• Tourist information point with PTTK guides

Permanent exhibitions

• Z dziejów Orzysza – Permanent exhibition on the history of the town and garrison, with a diorama of the old market square and an exhibition of uniforms and army equipment.
• Osadnictwo kultury kurhanów zachodniobałtyjskich Ziemi Orzyskiej – Part of the permanent exhibition on the earliest history of these lands, with a model of the lake-dwelling settlement.

Founded

2015

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: not available
• Sign language tours: not available
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The building is entered from the pavement, without thresholds; the stairs have handrails. The museum has a toilet and a car park for people with disabilities, as well as induction loops. Assistance dogs may enter. Blind and visually impaired visitors are shown round using audio guides with audio description. There is no sign-language interpreter, no Braille signage and no sound navigation system.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

For children and young people there is the Strefa SOWA with educational classes, museum lessons and an offer for the holidays and for Children’s Day (Dzień Dziecka).

Getting there & parking

The museum is at ul. Giżycka 9 (buildings at ul. Giżycka 9 and 11).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum has a small shop with souvenirs and publications, and a tourist information point.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit