Kościuszko-Museum

About the museum

The museum is located in the Zeltner House at Gurzelngasse 12, where Tadeusz Kościuszko lived from 1815 until his death in 1817. When the ground floor of the house was renovated for commercial use in 1932, the Polish ambassador and his cultural attaché proposed to at least save the freedom fighter's apartment. They were supported by the Canton of Solothurn and the then U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland; the goal was to create a memorial site for a national hero of Poland and the USA.

An all-volunteer organizing committee set up the museum; it opened on September 27, 1936, the same day the Kosciuszko Society was founded, which runs the house to this day. Donations, including a 1937 concert by Ignacy Jan Paderewski, made it possible to recreate the death chamber according to a contemporary watercolor. After renovations in 1981–1983, the museum reopened in a new form in 1984 and was expanded in 2018 with the former general's study and a small courtyard.

On display are documents, paintings, prints and personal belongings relating to Kościuszko's life and work, including his living room with alcove and reconstructed deathbed, a walnut wardrobe and a 2006 auction acquisition of a pistol he carried in Paris. An urn made in Paris in 1895 for his heart is also among the keepsakes.

Highlights

• Former residence where Tadeusz Kościuszko died in 1817
• Alcove with faithfully reconstructed deathbed
• General's study with walnut wardrobe
• Documents, paintings and keepsakes from Kościuszko's life
• Urn for Kościuszko's heart, created 1895 in Paris

Permanent exhibition

• Wohnung und Gedenkstätte von Tadeusz Kościuszko – Museum rooms in the former apartment with living room including alcove and deathbed, the general's study, and documents, paintings and keepsakes.

Founded

1936

Operated by

Kosciuszko-Gesellschaft Solothurn

Admission & discounts

Admission of CHF 5 includes a tour.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The museum is located in Solothurn's old town at Gurzelngasse 12.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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