Historical Museum – Palace in Dukla

The Historical Museum – Palace in Dukla, housed in the late Baroque palace and park complex of the Mniszech family from the second half of the 18th century, symbolizes the former splendor of Dukla and is an institution dedicated to military artifacts and regional history. The building, which was severely damaged during World War II, was rebuilt as part of a museum initiative that began in 1964 with an exhibition about the Carpathian-Dukla Operation. The museum officially commenced operations in 1968 as the Military Branch of the Subcarpathian Museum in Krosno, and in 1972 it began operating independently as the Museum of Military Brotherhood. In 1991, its name was changed to the Historical Museum – Palace in Dukla, while also expanding its exhibitions to include the history of Dukla and the battles in the Carpathians during both world wars. The museum hosts both permanent exhibitions, focusing on the history of Dukla and the palace, and various temporary exhibitions, which often center on military themes. The displays consist of a rich collection of artifacts, including documents, photographs, weapons, and memorabilia related to the region's history. Particularly noteworthy are the military collections, featuring weapons from various periods, including World War II and the participation of the Polish Armed Forces in the campaign. In the museum's courtyard, there is an open-air exhibition of heavy weaponry, where visitors can see 20 artillery pieces, including legendary howitzers and tanks, making this a significant destination for military history enthusiasts. An interesting aspect is that in 1997, a Soviet ISU-152 armored gun was installed, which previously commemorated the soldiers who fell in the Battle of the Dukla Pass. The museum and its surroundings not only attract tourists but also serve as an important source of historical knowledge, promoting awareness of the events that took place in this region and the significant role Dukla played in Polish military history.