Jan Dekert Lubusz Museum in Gorzów Wielkopolski

The Jan Dekert Lubuskie Museum in Gorzów Wielkopolski, opened on September 8, 1945, is the oldest museum in the Lubuskie Voivodeship and the first museum institution established in the Recovered Territories after World War II. The initiative to open the museum was taken by the starost (district administrator) Florian Kroenke, with the goal of collecting and protecting historical artifacts. Initially named the Museum of the Lubusz Land, it was renamed to its current title in 2000. The museum gained the status of a District Museum in 1975. It is housed in the Schroeder Villa, designed in the early 20th century in a neo-Baroque style, which is an iconic example of Gorzów’s architecture. The museum holds valuable collections spanning various fields, including archaeology, historical and contemporary art, ethnology, and numismatics. The Lubuskie Museum also includes branches such as the Villa and Garden Complex, an 18th-century Granary, the Mill Farm in Bogdaniec, and the Santok Stronghold Museum. The Granary, dating back to 1723, is the oldest building in the museum's portfolio, renowned for its unique half-timbered construction and rich history linked to Warta River navigation. At the Mill Farm, visitors can explore a historic mill from 1826, which remained in use until 1984. The Santok Stronghold Museum unveils the history of settlement in the area dating back to the 8th century, offering archaeological exhibitions based on excavations from the region’s turbulent past. The museum not only attracts history enthusiasts but also serves as an important cultural hub, organizing diverse exhibitions and events that highlight local heritage.