Ethnographic Museum, Krakow

The Ethnographic Museum of Kraków was founded in 1902 by the Polish Applied Arts Society to showcase folk art. In 1904, the National Museum created an ethnographic department and unveiled a permanent exposition. In 1910, the Ethnographic Museum Society took over the collection from the National Museum. A branch led by the teacher and folklore enthusiast Udziela emerged in 1911, moving to Wawel later. After WWII, it moved locations twice, with the central edifice being the former Town Hall of Kazimierski. The vast collection of 80,000+ artifacts represents Polish culture, art, daily life, and diverse global cultures.

The museum offers a blend of contemporary and traditional exhibits, creating a diverse experience. On the ground floor, visitors are greeted with an indoor representation akin to a skansen, featuring meticulous recreations of 19th-century rural interiors alongside finely crafted scale models. Ascending to the upper level, guests are immersed in the realm of Polish folk culture and rural traditions. This floor showcases an array of elements including folk costumes, agricultural methods, musical instruments, festive traditions, toys, and more. Notably, a captivating highlight here is a monumental bear sculpture cleverly designed as an apiary. Continuing upward, a modest display of folk art titled 'Unattainable Earth,' inspired by the work of Czesław Miłosz, greets visitors. Detailed explanations in English accompany the exhibits, making the experience accessible and enriching.