Jagiellonian University Museum

The Jagiellonian University Museum, located in the Collegium Maius in Kraków, is an institution with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Its origins trace back to 1867, when Professor Józef Łepkowski established the Archaeological Cabinet, which over time was transformed into a museum. The current exhibition owes much of its form to Karol Estreicher, who managed the institution for 25 years. The museum houses valuable collections divided into seven categories, including scientific instruments, paintings, photography, sculpture, and artistic crafts. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of scientific instruments, which features an Arabic astrolabe from 1054 and a gas liquefaction apparatus designed by Professor Olszewski. Also significant are the collections of graphics and sculpture, including works by renowned Polish artists, making the museum a place of immense cultural importance. The exhibitions are displayed in the historic halls of the Collegium Maius, adding an additional architectural context. In a historical context, World War II brought significant losses to the collections, as many items were displaced and lost due to looting. After the war, a comprehensive renovation of the building was carried out, restoring it to its original pre-1840 appearance. An interesting fact is that the museum could not be officially named as such until 1860 due to prohibitions by the Austrian partitioning authorities, which led to the use of a more politically correct name. Throughout its existence, the Jagiellonian University Museum has contributed to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, documenting the history of the university and the region. Today, the museum enjoys great popularity, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the richness of Polish culture and science.