Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum in Łódź

The Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum in Łódź, located at 14 Wolności Square, is the largest museum in the city, with 260,354 cataloged items as of the end of 2012. It offers three permanent exhibitions: ethnographic, numismatic, and archaeological. The museum's history dates back to the 1920s when the Municipal Museum in Łódź was established in 1918. Over the years, the institution changed locations and names, eventually transforming into the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum in 1956 under the leadership of Professor Konrad Jażdżewski. The museum building itself has a rich history, having previously served as the German-Russian District Real School, opened in 1845. In the 19th century, the building underwent several renovations and was used by the city magistrate before World War II. The museum comprises archaeological, ethnographic, numismatic, and conservation departments and is actively involved in publishing, releasing books and the journal "Prace i Materiały Muzeum Archeologicznego i Etnograficznego w Łodzi." Throughout its history, the museum has been directed by notable figures, including Ryszard Grygiel and the current head, Dominik Płaza. The museum plays a significant cultural role in Łódź, serving as a center for learning and education while preserving national heritage.