Ośrodek Myśli Patriotycznej i Obywatelskiej w Kielcach

About the museum

The Centre of Patriotic and Civic Thought (Ośrodek Myśli Patriotycznej i Obywatelskiej) is housed in the buildings of the former Kielce prison on Castle Hill. The former outbuildings and administrative buildings of the residence of the Bishops of Kraków were adapted for use as a prison in 1826–1828. Both criminal and political prisoners were held there, including participants of the January Uprising.

During the German occupation the prison served as a place of repression against civilians and members of the underground, and after the war it was taken over by the Soviet services and the Office of Public Security (Urząd Bezpieczeństwa Publicznego). On the night of 4–5 August 1945 a unit led by Captain Antoni Heda “Szary” (Grey) broke into the prison and freed several hundred prisoners. The prison remained in operation on the site until the 1970s.

In 1995 the Museum of National Memory (Muzeum Pamięci Narodowej) opened in part of the complex, and after a reconstruction in 2009–2011 the Centre of Patriotic and Civic Thought was created. The Centre is part of Castle Hill (Wzgórze Zamkowe), a budget unit of the City of Kielce. The permanent multimedia exhibition combines light, sound, documents, reconstructions and original objects, and the Centre also runs educational activities.

Key themes

• multimedia exhibition on the struggle for independence from the end of the 18th century
• authentic cellars and punishment cells of the former prison
• the German occupation, the Holocaust of Kielce’s Jewish community and the Righteous Among the Nations
• the breaking into the prison in 1945
• museum lessons, workshops and educational walks

Permanent exhibition

• Ekspozycja multimedialna OMPiO – Account of the struggle for freedom and independence from the end of the 18th century to the postwar period: from the national uprisings, through the German occupation, to communist repression, ending with the authentic cellars and cells of the prison.

Founded

1995

Operated by

Wzgórze Zamkowe w Kielcach (jednostka budżetowa Miasta Kielce)

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

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

The building has two entrances; the entrance to the underground for people with disabilities is on the side of the Wall of Memory (Mur Pamięci). A lift serves the ground floor and the first floor, and the corridors and rooms on both levels are accessible to wheelchair users. There is a toilet for people with disabilities on the ground floor, and one parking space is marked in front of the building. All rooms may be entered with an assistance dog. The building has no induction loops or Braille signage.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

• Family tours & workshops

The exhibition deals with the difficult history of war, occupation and repression, so it is suitable for older children and young people. The Centre runs lessons and educational workshops, and a family ticket for PLN 15 is available.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Castle Hill at ul. Zamkowa 3.

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