Oskar Schindler’s Factory in Krakow is now a museum that takes you on a journey through World War II. The museum showcases the Nazi occupation of Krakow from 1939 to 1945, with exhibits that bring the wartime experience to life.
Inside, you’ll find photos, films, and personal stories that paint a vivid picture of life during those dark years. The museum houses many artefacts, including military uniforms, weapons, and enamelware objects made in the factory. You can see a tankette and explore recreated scenes from wartime Krakow.
The museum tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved about 1,200 Jews by employing them in his factory. You’ll learn about his brave actions and the impact he had on so many lives.
The museum offers a moving and educational experience that helps you understand this crucial period in history.
The Factory Today: Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory Museum
Oskar Schindler’s former enamel factory in Krakow now houses a captivating museum. You can explore exhibits that bring the past to life and learn about Schindler’s brave efforts during World War II.
Transformation into a Museum and Exhibition Space
The old Deutsche Emailwarenfabrik (DEF) has found new life as a museum. In 2010, the City of Krakow turned this historic site into a branch of the Historical Museum. The factory buildings now serve a different purpose. Instead of making enamelware, they showcase history.
You’ll find two museums here now. One is the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow. It’s in the old workshops. The other is part of the Historical Museum of Krakow. This one tells Schindler’s story and shows what life was like during Nazi rule.
The change from factory to museum has kept the building’s past alive. It lets you step back in time and see history up close.
Exhibits and Artefacts
When you visit, you’ll see many items from the war years. There are photos, documents, and personal items. These help paint a picture of life in Krakow under Nazi rule.
The museum has recreated scenes from the 1940s. You can walk through a wartime tram car. You’ll see a typical Jewish apartment from the ghetto. There’s even a recreation of Schindler’s office.
Objects on display include enamelware made in the factory. You’ll also find items that belonged to the workers Schindler saved. Each piece tells part of the story.
The exhibits use modern tech too. There are touch screens and video displays. These help bring the past to life in new ways.
The Permanent Exhibition: Oskar Schindler’s Story
The main exhibit focuses on Oskar Schindler and his actions. You’ll learn how he saved over 1,000 Jewish workers from death camps.
The exhibit takes you through Schindler’s life. It shows how he went from Nazi Party member to saviour. You’ll see the actual list of names of people he saved.
The museum also tells the wider story of Krakow during the war. You’ll learn about the Nazi invasion and life in the ghetto. The exhibit shows how the Polish resistance fought back.
As you go through, you’ll hear stories from survivors. Their words bring home the human impact of Schindler’s bravery.
Visiting the Museum: A Guide for Tourists
Schindler’s Factory Museum offers a powerful look at Krakow’s wartime history. The museum is open daily and has options for guided tours and accessibility.
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
The museum is at Ul. Lipowa 4 in Krakow. It’s open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Last entry is at 7:00 PM.
Opening hours:
- Monday 10:00 – 14:00
- Tuesday – Thursday 9:00 – 19:00
- Friday – Sunday 9:00 – 20:00
- first Tuesday of the month the museum is closed
- Adults: 28 PLN
- Students/Seniors: 24 PLN
- Children under 7: Free
You can buy tickets online or at the museum. Booking ahead is smart, as the museum can get busy. Check also article How to Buy Tickets to Schindler’s Factory in Krakow
Guided Tour Experiences
Guided tours give you deeper insights into the exhibits. Tours are in English and Polish. They last about 2 hours.
Tour prices:
- Group tours: 180 PLN + admission
- Private tours: 300 PLN + admission
Book tours in advance on the museum website. A guide can help you understand the complex history better.
Accessibility for Visitors with Disabilities
The museum tries to be accessible to all visitors. There are lifts and ramps for wheelchair users. Most areas are easy to move around in.
Large-print guides are available for visitors with vision issues. Audio guides can help those with hearing problems.
Let staff know if you need any extra help. They’re trained to assist visitors with different needs.
Educational Impact and Role in Holocaust Remembrance
Schindler’s Factory plays a crucial part in teaching about the Holocaust. It offers powerful learning experiences through survivor stories and hands-on activities.
Testimonies and Holocaust Education
Survivor testimonies at Schindler’s Factory help you grasp the reality of the Holocaust. You can watch video interviews with those saved by Oskar Schindler. These firsthand accounts make history come alive.
The factory museum uses these stories to teach about Nazi crimes. You’ll learn how Schindler protected Jewish workers. The exhibits show the harsh conditions they faced.
School groups often visit to learn about this dark period. Teachers use the site to spark talks about prejudice and human rights.
Workshops and Educational Activities
You can join workshops that explore Holocaust themes. These sessions let you dig deeper into the history.
Activities might include:
- Role-playing exercises
- Artifact analysis
- Group discussions on ethics
You’ll also find special programs for different age groups. These help tailor the learning to your level.
The factory offers resources for teachers too. They can get tips on how to cover this tough topic in class.
By taking part, you’re helping to keep Holocaust memory alive. It’s a chance to reflect on the past and shape a better future.
Connections: From Schindler’s Factory to Contemporary Culture
Schindler’s Factory has inspired significant works of art and culture. It has become a symbol that bridges history with modern creative expression.
Schindler’s List: The Film and its Impact
Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film “Schindler’s List” brought global attention to Oskar Schindler’s story. The movie, based on Thomas Keneally’s novel “Schindler’s Ark”, won seven Academy Awards. It sparked renewed interest in Holocaust education and remembrance.
The film’s impact went beyond the cinema. It led to increased tourism to Kraków and Schindler’s Factory. Many visitors now come to see the real-life locations depicted in the movie.
“Schindler’s List” also prompted discussions about moral courage during wartime. It raised questions about individual responsibility in the face of injustice.
MoCAK – The Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow
Part of Schindler’s Factory now houses MoCAK, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow. This blend of history and modern art creates a unique cultural space.
Start Planning Your Krakow Trip Now!
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- Book your airport transfer now and enjoy a hassle-free ride directly to your hotel. Driver will meet you at John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice.
- Take a Sobering Tour of Auschwitz. Arrange a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum to pay tribute and learn about this significant historical site.
Due to high demand, especially during the winter season, it’s strongly recommended to book your tickets, tour to Auschwitz and accomodation well in advance to secure your preferred dates and times! ⏰ Book Auschwitz Tour 🔖
- Explore the Fascinating Wieliczka Salt Mine! Book your guided tour today and discover this UNESCO World Heritage site just outside Krakow. These tours are popular year-round, so book early to avoid disappointment and ensure your spot.
- Looking for ideas? Check out our KrakowTOP.org recommended itineraries, including the famous Christmas Market, holiday events, and must-see Krakow attractions like Wawel Castle, Oskar Schindler’s Factory and St. Mary’s Basilica.
MoCAK opened in 2010 in the factory’s former admin building. It showcases Polish and international contemporary art. The museum’s location adds depth to its exhibits, linking past and present.
You’ll find thought-provoking installations, paintings, and multimedia works here. MoCAK often features exhibitions that reflect on history, memory, and identity.
The museum’s presence has helped revitalise the Zabłocie district. It’s now a hub for artists and creative professionals.
