Archaeological Museum of Poznań Poland

The Museum of Archaeology in Poznań has a rich history, dating back to the second half of the 19th century. The museum's origins are closely linked to the activities of the Poznań Society of the Friends of Science (TPNP), which acted as a patron of Polish science and culture during the Polish Partitions. Officially, the museum was established on 23 September 1857 as the "Museum of Polish and Slavic Antiquities in the Grand Duchy of Poznań", functioning at the TPNP. In 1882, it changed its name to the "Mielżyński Museum", thus honouring the contribution of the Mielżyński counts to its development. Over the years, the museum's headquarters have been located in various locations, including the Raczynski Library, Hotel Bazar and the building on Mielżyński (formerly Młyńska) Street. The museum's collections, a treasure trove of valuable archaeological artefacts, were meticulously curated through donations and the results of excavations by TPNP members. By the end of the 19th century, the institution proudly held the largest archaeological collection among scientific societies in the Prussian state, a testament to the profound significance of these objects in our understanding of the past. The development of the museum was overseen by eminent scientists and enthusiasts who acted as conservators of the collections (today's curators). These included Bolesław Erzepki and Józef Kostrzewski. An important role in the development of archaeological research was also played by the Archaeological Commission (later the Archaeological Section) of the TPNP, which brought together many distinguished researchers, such as Antoni Białecki, Kazimierz Szulc and Władysław Jażdżewski. Today, the Museum of Archaeology in Poznań stands as a living testament to the vision of its founders. It actively preserves and shares priceless testimonies of the past, and its ongoing scientific and educational activities ensure that our cultural heritage remains vibrant and accessible. The collections, painstakingly gathered and compiled over 160 years, serve as an invaluable knowledge resource about the history of the Polish lands and Europe. You are welcome to learn about our museum's fascinating history and discover the wealth of its collections through the photo gallery below.