Żywiecki Park Etnograficzny w Ślemieniu
Open-air museum in Ślemień recreating the layout and buildings of a village in the Żywiec Beskids, with 19 historic objects.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Żywiecki Park Etnograficzny (Żywiec Ethnographic Park) in Ślemień is one of the youngest open-air museums in Poland. The idea came from regionalists from the Żywiec region and was taken up by the commune of Ślemień, and the foundation stone was laid in 2008 during celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the Ślemień Lordship (Państwo Ślemieńskie). Construction of the park on a site of several hectares took several more years.
The buildings were moved from villages in the surrounding Żywiec region and retain as much of the original fabric as possible; they are not reconstructions. The layout of the park reproduces the structure of a typical village in the Żywiec Beskids. The open-air museum has 19 historic architectural objects, as well as two earth cellars (ziemianki), three wells drawing water in different ways, and roadside crosses and shrines.
The park continues to develop: plans include an orangery at the Villa from Skawa (Willa ze Skawy) and further work on the wooden church from Jasienna. The museum runs a year-round educational programme: craft workshops, museum lessons and a treasure hunt game.
Highlights
- 19 historic objects recreating a village of the Żywiec Beskids
- Wooden cottages and buildings moved from surrounding villages
- Two earth cellars and three wells
- Roadside crosses and shrines
- Craft workshops and museum lessons
- Treasure hunt game “W poszukiwaniu zaginionej złotej księgi” (In Search of the Lost Golden Book)
Permanent exhibition
- Skansen – zabudowa wsi Beskidu Żywieckiego – Open-air display of 19 historic objects moved from surrounding villages, laid out to recreate a former village of the Żywiec Beskids.
- Founded
- 2012
- Operated by
- Żywiecki Park Etnograficzny (instytucja kultury gminy Ślemień)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 23 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 20 zł |
| Guide service (up to 15 people) | 100 złThe tour lasts up to 1.5 hours; larger groups pay proportionally. |
| Museum lesson (per person) | 35 zł |
| Workshops (per person) | 28 złWorkshop prices range from PLN 25 to PLN 40, depending on the topic. |
| Treasure hunt game “W poszukiwaniu zaginionej złotej księgi” (group of about 5 people) | 10 zł |
The price list applies from 1 January 2026. The organisation fee for groups is PLN 5; a photo session costs PLN 300 per hour.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
The museum runs craft workshops, museum lessons and a treasure hunt game for children.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking for cars and coaches with an area of about 1,100 m².
Address for navigation: Łączna Street 2a, 34-323 Ślemień.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum grounds have a shop selling regional souvenirs and drinks.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The museum rents out a hall (PLN 150 per hour) and a shepherd’s hut with a grill (PLN 29 per person).
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours are booked by telephone (+48 534 631 330) or by email (etnopark@slemien.pl). Groups should confirm or cancel their booking at least 10 days in advance. |
