National Museum in Poznań (Muzeum Narodowe w Poznaniu)

Museum in Poznań

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Plaga med

The National Museum in Poznań (Muzeum Narodowe w Poznaniu), founded in 1857, is one of Poland’s oldest and most prestigious cultural institutions. Originally established as the Museum of Polish and Slavic Antiquities, it has evolved into a vast repository of art and history. The museum’s main building, located on Aleje Marcinkowskiego, features both historic and modern wings, including the Gallery of Contemporary Art, which opened in 2001 after extensive renovations.

The museum boasts an extraordinary collection of Polish art, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Visitors can admire masterpieces by renowned artists such as Jan Matejko, Olga Boznańska, Jacek Malczewski, and Stanisław Wyspiański. The museum also houses Western European works, including Flemish and Dutch paintings by Joos van Cleve, Jan van Goyen, and Salomon Ruysdael, as well as Italian pieces by Bellini and Sofonisba Anguissola.

Beyond paintings, the museum’s diverse holdings include numismatic collections, applied arts, and poster and graphic design galleries. It’s also home to Poland’s only collection of Spanish paintings, featuring works by Zurbarán, Ribera, and Velázquez. These treasures are displayed across seven thematic galleries that explore artistic trends from antiquity to modern times.

The National Museum in Poznań is more than a showcase of art—it’s a symbol of resilience. Despite suffering damage and looting during World War II, many pieces were recovered and restored. Today, the museum continues to thrive, offering a rich cultural experience that reflects Poland’s artistic legacy and its enduring commitment to preserving history.

The National Museum in Poznań (Muzeum Narodowe w Poznaniu) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Poznań!

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