Babia Góra Mountain Tourism History Center at Markowe Szczawiny

The Babia Góra Center for the History of Mountain Tourism at Markowe Szczawiny is a unique museum facility of the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society, located in the picturesque area of the Beskid Żywiecki, within the administrative boundaries of Zawoja. The center was established in 1966 on the initiative of Edward Moskała and is the first museum dedicated to mountain tourism in Poland. Its architecture draws on traditional wooden structures, emphasizing the region's distinctive charm. Initially, the museum was housed in a repurposed farm shed reminiscent of the first mountain shelters. Since 2011, the facility has operated in the building of the former GOPR (Mountain Volunteer Search and Rescue) station, allowing for a better presentation of its collections. Thus, the center is not only a place with significant history but also an example of the region's architectural heritage. The Center's collection includes memorabilia related to the history of mountain tourism, as well as biographical collections dedicated to famous figures such as Hugon Zapałowicz and Kazimierz Sosnowski, who contributed to the development of tourism in the Polish mountains. The exhibition is diverse, featuring documents, photographs, and objects related to mountain tourism activities. There are plans to create an additional exhibition dedicated to high-mountain tourism in the former headquarters of the facility. An interesting fact is that the current name of the center was officially adopted by a resolution on June 6, 2016, which reflects its continuous development and the updating of its mission. The museum is open to tourists every day, and keys can be picked up at the shelter's buffet, which fosters integration with the surroundings and the local community. Thus, the Center at Markowe Szczawiny is not only an important place for mountain enthusiasts but also a cultural asset of the region, combining both educational and recreational aspects.