Jan Olszewski Historical Museum of Skierniewice

The Jan Olszewski Historical Museum of Skierniewice is housed in a historic building on ulica Stefana Batorego, in a former military barracks complex. It is a young institution, as it opened to the public only in 2018, but it holds collections covering the entire history of the city and region: from archaeology and ethnography to militaria, technology and art.

From the Chamber of History to museum

The establishment was created by transforming the earlier Chamber of History of Skierniewice. It opened to the public on 6 October 2018 as the Historical Museum of Skierniewice. The name of Jan Olszewski was given to it only a few years later, on 7 February 2022. The museum is a cultural institution under the authority of the city council, and its director is Agata Niedziółka.

Building of former barracks

The museum is housed in a building from 1890, designed by Aleksander Wyde. It was built as part of a larger complex of barracks for the Russian army, stationed in Skierniewice during the partition period. The building itself is therefore a witness to the city's military history before independence was regained, before the museum collections were ever placed within it.

What the exhibition covers

The exhibitions are divided into several thematic sections: the history of the city and its surroundings, archaeology, ethnography, militaria and technology and art. With such an arrangement, a single visit allows you to trace the history of Skierniewice from ancient times to the twentieth century, without needing to visit several separate institutions in the city.

Visiting and guides

Admission to the exhibitions is free. An additional charge only appears for guided tours, when a group wants to visit with commentary from a historian instead of independently reading the descriptions next to the exhibits. The museum is adjacent to other places connected with the city's history, including the Konstancja Gładkowska Manor and the Skierniewice Market Square, so both places can be combined into a single walk around the city centre.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Stefana Batorego 64 J, 96-100 Skierniewice
• Getting there: city centre of Skierniewice, accessible by public transport
• Opening hours vary depending on the day of the week, and the museum is closed on Mondays, so it is worth checking the current schedule before your visit
• What to expect: several thematic sections in a historic building of former barracks, free admission, paid guided tours