Muzeum Sztuki Cmentarnej – Stary Cmentarz Żydowski
Historic Jewish necropolis from 1856–1942, opened as the Museum of Cemetery Art, with gravestone sculpture and small architecture.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Old Jewish Cemetery on ul. Ślężna was founded in 1856, and until 1942 it was the burial place of Wrocław’s deceased Jews. The first burial took place in November 1856, the last in August 1942. The cemetery covers several hectares and is the only surviving necropolis in Wrocław from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The gravestones changed over the years: from traditional matzevot to monumental family mausoleums inspired by the architecture of various eras, including Moorish and Egyptian. Artists, scientists, politicians and entrepreneurs are buried here, among them Ferdinand Lassalle, the historian Heinrich Graetz and the botanist Ferdinand Julius Cohn. On some gravestones traces of bullets from the fighting for Festung Breslau in 1945 can be seen.
The cemetery was entered in the register of monuments in 1975, and shortly afterwards the restoration of the wall, the gravestones and the paths began. Since the late 1980s it has been open to visitors as a museum, now as the Museum of Cemetery Art, a branch of the Wrocław City Museum.
Highlights
- The only surviving necropolis in Wrocław from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
- Ensemble of gravestone sculpture and small architecture
- Monumental family tombs in various styles
- Graves of outstanding Wrocław figures, including Ferdinand Lassalle
- Sunday tours with a museum guide
Permanent exhibition
- Stary Cmentarz Żydowski jako Muzeum Sztuki Cmentarnej – A walk through the historic necropolis with gravestone sculpture and small architecture from 1856–1942.
- Founded
- 1988
- Operated by
- Muzeum Miejskie Wrocławia
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 20 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 15 zł |
| Groups (21+ people) | 15 zł per personPrice per person; group ticket for groups of more than 20 people. |
| Families | 40 złTicket for a group of up to two adults with one to five children. |
| Guided tour for groups in Polish (group price) | 250 złGroups of up to 40 people, to be registered at least three weeks in advance. |
| Guided tour for groups in a foreign language (group price) | 400 zł |
Free admission: On Thursdays admission to the permanent exhibitions is free.
On Sundays tours with a museum guide for individual visitors are included in the admission ticket (May – starting at 12:00, June–August at 10:00, September at 12:00; no booking). The museum takes part in the programmes Nasz Wrocław and Nasz Wrocław Max.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- 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
The museum is not adapted for visits by people with mobility disabilities.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Because of the nature of the site, the cemetery is not made available for promotional purposes, advertising films or photo sessions. |
| Good to know | Guided tours for groups (up to 40 people) must be arranged at least three weeks in advance at +48 71 391 69 40 ext. 113. |
