Archdiocesan Museum in Poznań

The Archdiocesan Museum in Poznań, established in 1898 by Archbishop Florian Stablewski, is one of the oldest and most important institutions collecting sacred art in Poland. Initially housed in former Carmelite buildings, it was later relocated to the Poznań Castle and the Lubrański Academy, where, after renovations in 2006 and 2007, it gained a new, modern exhibition space spanning 1,400 m². The museum is part of the Royal-Imperial Route, making it a significant tourist attraction in Poznań. Its collection comprises 785 works, arranged chronologically, stylistically, and thematically. A key exhibit is the Sword of Saint Peter, a relic associated with apostolic legend, which for centuries was kept in the cathedral treasury. The museum boasts rich collections, including Gothic paintings and sculptures, historical portraits, modern art, various silverware, liturgical textiles, as well as 19th-century porcelain and glass. The museum's history is also marked by tragedy, as in 1981, many valuable items were stolen, though some were recovered years later. The Archdiocesan Museum in Poznań is not only a treasury of sacred art but also an institution that reflects the rich history and culture of the region.