Ethnographic Park in Tokarnia

The Tokarnia Open-Air Museum, known as the skansen of the Kielce countryside, is an institution belonging to the Museum of the Kielce Village, located in the valley of the Czarna Nida River, in the picturesque village of Tokarnia. It was established on the initiative of Professor Roman Reinfuss in 1976, and the park opened in 1977. The skansen covers an area of 65 hectares and consists of 38 complexes of buildings that represent various settlement layouts from the Kielce region, the Świętokrzyskie Mountains, and other areas. The exhibition reflects the rural landscape of the 18th and 19th centuries, enriched with commercial and industrial elements such as mills and craft workshops. The architecture of the skansen includes a variety of structures—from cottages and granaries to windmills and religious buildings, including the Baroque Church of Our Lady of Consolation relocated from Rogów. The museum also showcases the works of folk sculptor Jan Bernasiewicz and his wife, adding a cultural dimension. The whole is complemented by gardens and elements of small architecture. The skansen is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, with over 70,000 visitors in 2008. The buildings are organized into five sectors: small-town, upland, manor-farm, Świętokrzyskie architecture, and loess areas, allowing for a rich exploration of local culture and traditions. The skansen continues to evolve, with plans to expand to a target of 120 buildings, and is engaged in research and educational activities, featuring a library and film archive. An interesting aspect is the architectural diversity of the displayed structures, which can inspire both history and architecture enthusiasts.