Nadwiślański Ethnographic Park in Wygiełzów
The Wygiełzów Open-Air Museum, located at the foot of the medieval Lipowiec Castle, is a remarkable attraction for fans of wooden architecture and the culture of the Western Krakowiaks. The Vistula Ethnographic Park was established in 1968 and is part of the National Register of Museums. On an area of 5 hectares, we can find 23 wooden architecture objects from regions located to the west of Kraków. Particular attention should be paid to everyday items that are part of the exhibition.
What can we find in the open-air museum?
The most important objects that were relocated first include a town house from Chrzanów dating back to 1804, a granary from the Church dating to 1798, and a village leader's cottage from Przegini Duchownej from 1862. Among the permanent exhibitions, it is worth mentioning a half-timbered cottage from Rozkochów, a poor cottage from Płaza, an octagonal barn from Przeciszów, forges from Liszki, oil mills from Dąbrowa Szlachecka, a granary from Giebułów, an inn from Minoga, and a small-town house from Alwernia. Additionally, it is worth noting the chapels, wells, and bee yards. All of this awaits visitors amid the vast greenery.
Educational offer
The open-air museum has a rich offer of workshop lessons designed for various age groups. Participants can choose from topics such as: creating colorful palms, decorating Easter eggs, baking bread, the uses of flax, what school was like for our grandparents, how our grandmothers did the laundry, beekeeping, what everyday life was like for our ancestors, and traditions related to St. Andrew’s or Christmas.
Important information
The Vistula Ethnographic Park is located in the village of Wygiełzów in the Małopolskie Voivodeship. Near the entrance gate, there is a fairly large parking area. The museum is open during the summer season (1 March – 31 October) from 8:00 to 18:00, and during the winter season (1 November – 29 February) from 8:00 to 15:00. Ticket prices: normal 15 PLN, reduced 8 PLN, family 40 PLN.
Photo and text author: Ewa Bandyk
