Ľubovniansky skanzen

About the museum

The open-air museum below Ľubovňa Castle was opened in 1985 and, together with the castle, forms a unique showcase of manorial and folk life. Through its small houses it presents the life of a traditional village in Upper Spiš and Šariš, where Rusyns, Gorals, Germans, Jews and Roma lived together for centuries. It is run by the Ľubovňa Museum.

The dominant feature of the site is the wooden Greek Catholic Chapel of St Michael the Archangel from Matysová, dating from 1833. It is a single-nave log building with a polygonal sanctuary apse and a tower above the vestibule; the interior contains an iconostasis from the first half of the 18th century. It was moved to the exhibition in 1979 and reconsecrated in 1991; on major feast days liturgies and services are held in it in Old Church Slavonic.

The open-air museum has 32 residential and farm buildings, for example houses from Veľký Lipník, Údol, Jarabina, Jakubany and Kremná, the house of the village mayor from Veľká Lesná, the shepherd's house from Litmanová, a farmstead from Kamienka, a carpenter's workshop and a smithy. In the family house from Údol there is an exhibition of a national school from the time of the First Czechoslovak Republic, and other interiors show a wedding, the birth of a child or a death in the family. Visitors can also see a display of traditional farm animals.

Highlights

• Wooden Greek Catholic Chapel of St Michael the Archangel from Matysová, 1833
• 32 residential and farm buildings from Upper Spiš and Šariš
• Interiors presenting a wedding, the birth of a child and a death
• Exhibition of the wire-craft trade and a national school from the First Czechoslovak Republic
• Open-air museum adapted for blind and partially sighted visitors (Braille, tactile models)

Permanent exhibitions

• Skanzen – ľudová architektúra horného Spiša a Šariša – Wooden residential and farm buildings, interiors and craft workshops from villages around Stará Ľubovňa.
• Gréckokatolícky kostolík z Matysovej – The wooden chapel of St Michael the Archangel from 1833, with an iconostasis from the first half of the 18th century.

Founded

1985

Operated by

Ľubovnianske múzeum

Admission & discounts

Holders of the gold or diamond Ján Plaque and of the Kňazovický Medal, and war veterans, pay €0.10. The free admission on the first Wednesday of the month does not apply. Photography and filming are free; a wedding photo shoot in the open-air museum costs €30 by arrangement by telephone.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The open-air museum is adapted for blind and partially sighted visitors: a guide line with railings and inscriptions in Braille, tactile models, a printed guide in Braille at the ticket office and audio description. For deaf visitors there is a video with commentary in sign language, accessible via QR codes, and tablets can be borrowed free of charge. The museum's website also has a section for people with autism. Dogs are not allowed on the grounds.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Playground / play area

There is a children's corner with folk toys on the grounds; creative workshops, for example on processing flax, are available for families and groups.

Getting there & parking

The open-air museum is situated below Ľubovňa Castle.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

On the grounds there is a granary with souvenirs; in summer you can enjoy a picnic.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The chapel of St Michael the Archangel in the open-air museum can be rented for a fee of €200.

Plan your visit