Muzeum Zbrojownia na Zamku w Liwie
Weapons museum in the Gothic castle of the Mazovian dukes in Liw, with a collection of militaria, an observation tower and a gallery of battle painting.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The castle in Liw was built at the beginning of the 15th century on an artificial island amid the marshes of the river Liwiec, which at that time was the border between Mazovia and Lithuania. Construction was commissioned by Duke Janusz I the Elder of Mazovia; the castle was one of six brick strongholds founded by this duke. In the 16th century the fortress was extended, among others during the reign of Queen Bona, but it was destroyed only by the wars of the 17th and 18th centuries, including the Swedish Deluge and the Great Northern War.
The castle complex today consists of the tower and walls of the Gothic stronghold, the Baroque manor house of the Liw starosts from 1782, and Gothic cellars. Since 1963 the Muzeum Zbrojownia na Zamku w Liwie (Armoury Museum at the Castle in Liw) has been housed here.
The museum presents militaria from all over the world, from the Roman era to 20th-century weapons: firearms, edged weapons and polearms, including a large collection of bayonets from 20 countries, as well as uniforms, armour and helmets. The weapons display is accompanied by a collection of paintings and graphic art, including works by Wojciech and Jerzy Kossak, Sarmatian portraits and battle scenes, as well as historic furniture and textiles from the 17th–19th centuries. From 12 October to 31 December 2026 the Baroque manor house is closed to visitors.
Highlights
- Collection of weapons and militaria from the Roman era to the 20th century
- Large collection of bayonets
- Gothic castle tower with an observation terrace
- Gothic cellars with exhibitions
- Battle painting and Sarmatian portraits
Permanent exhibitions
- Zbrojownia – broń i militaria – Exhibition of firearms, edged weapons and polearms, uniforms, armour and helmets from the Roman era to the 20th century, including a large collection of bayonets.
- Galeria Malarstwa – Painting and graphic art, including works by the Kossak family, Sarmatian portraits and battle scenes, displayed with historic furniture and textiles.
- Piwnice gotyckie i wieża zamkowa – Displays in the Gothic cellars and in the castle tower, also open while the manor house is closed.
- Founded
- 1963
- Operated by
- Samorząd Województwa Mazowieckiego
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 10 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 7.50 złpeople with disabilities, pupils, students, people over 65, teachers and veterans |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 6 · Children under 7 enter free of charge. |
| Seniors | 7.50 złReduced ticket for people over 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | 1 złUnder the programme of the Mazovian Voivodeship Local Government, “Wsparcie osób z niepełnosprawnościami na Mazowszu” (Support for People with Disabilities in Mazovia), the ticket for people with disabilities and their carers costs PLN 1. |
| Students & apprentices | 7.50 złReduced ticket for pupils and students. |
| Groups | –Organised groups are admitted after prior telephone booking (maximum 30 people per group). |
| Guide in Polish | 75 zł |
| Guide in English | 100 zł |
| Museum lesson | 300 zł |
| “Kulturalna Szkoła na Mazowszu” (Cultural School in Mazovia) – pupils from schools in the Mazovian Voivodeship | 1 zł |
Free admission: Wednesdays
The prices given apply during the closure of the Baroque manor house (12 October–31 December 2026) and cover admission to the Gothic cellars and the exhibition in the castle tower. Admission to the museum is free every Wednesday. Employees of registered museums and holders of the Karta Polaka (Polish Card) also enter free of charge.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- 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: no information
Steps (25, with a handrail) lead to the entrance. About 40% of the rooms are accessible to wheelchair users. The lift is outside, by the tower on the terrace, and the toilet adapted for people with mobility impairments is in the administrative building. The museum has no sign language interpreter, no Braille information and no induction loops. Assistance dogs are admitted.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Baby changing facilities
The museum runs museum lessons and takes part in the “Kulturalna Szkoła na Mazowszu” programme. The toilet for people with disabilities has a changing table.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking · 200 m to the entrance
Free car park with three spaces for people with disabilities; the distance from the parking spaces to the entrance is about 200 m.
- Accessible parking
Liw lies about 70 km from Warsaw, in the valley of the river Liwiec, on the Mazovia–Podlasie border.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
A souvenir shop operates together with the museum ticket office during opening hours.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Group bookings and applications for the “Kulturalna Szkoła na Mazowszu” programme are accepted at 500 153 010 or by email (zgloszenia@liw-zamek.pl). Animals may not be brought into the manor house, the cellars or the tower, except assistance dogs. |
