Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum

The Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum in Łódź is the largest museum in the city, housing 260,354 catalogued objects in the fields of archaeology, ethnography, numismatics and puppet theatre. The institution is divided into six departments: Archaeological, Ethnographic, Numismatic, Puppet Theatre Friends, Scientific and Educational, and Conservation and Monument Research. The building housing the museum is a listed heritage site – a school from 1856 – which underwent revitalisation and has been the institution's seat since 1956.

History and development of the museum

The institution has roots reaching back to 1918, when the Municipal Museum was established. After World War II, in 1945, separate archaeological and ethnographic institutions were created. They were finally merged on 1 January 1956 into a single Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum, which took up residence in the building at Plac Wolności. The first director from 1956 to 1979 was Prof. Konrad Jażdżewski, an outstanding scholar and archaeologist. For decades the museum conducted active scholarly and educational work, amassing one of the largest historical collections in Poland.

Collections and specialisation

The collections of the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum comprise objects from around the world, with emphasis on the history and culture of Poland and Europe. The Archaeological Department contains artefacts from various historical periods. The Ethnographic Department documents folk traditions, crafts and everyday life. The Numismatic collections present coins and medals from different periods. A special area of the museum's interest is puppet theatre – the Puppet Theatre Friends – which constitutes a unique collection and laboratory for dramatic theatre. In 2025 the museum received the Bronze Medal "Deserving of Culture Gloria Artis" for its contribution to Polish culture.

Building and architecture

Built in 1856 on Plac Wolności, the building is a heritage site representing 19th-century school architecture. Upon designation as the museum's seat it was adapted to new functions while retaining its historical character. Over the years of the institution's management the building underwent regular refurbishment. The latest phase of modernisation has been underway since 2025, when the permanent exhibitions are undergoing thorough rebuilding and reorganisation.

Practical information

• Address: Plac Wolności 14, Centralna, 91-415 Łódź
• Current status: The museum is undergoing change – permanent exhibitions are in modernisation from 2025. Viewing of the permanent collections is resumed pending restoration of full programme access. Temporary exhibitions may be available – we recommend always checking the museum website before your visit
• Opening hours: Educational programme available Monday to Friday 8:00–16:00 (advance booking required: edukacja@maie.lodz.pl, tel. 665 655 606)
• Contact: Main telephone line +48 42 632 84 40, additional +48 42 632 97 14, email muzeum@maie.lodz.pl
• Libraries: The museum libraries are temporarily closed due to modernisation
• Getting there: Plac Wolności in central Łódź, well served by public transport, close to Galeria Chimera and other cultural institutions in Śródmieście
• What to expect: Evolving exhibitions devoted to archaeology, ethnography, numismatics and puppet theatre; opportunity to take part in educational programmes by prior booking