Kazimierz Maślankiewicz Mineralogical Museum in Wrocław

The Kazimierz Maślankiewicz Mineralogical Museum in Wrocław, part of the Institute of Geological Sciences at the University of Wrocław, is located at 30 Cybulskiego Street and has a branch at 22 Kuźnicza Street. This museum continues the traditions of the Mineralogical Cabinet established in 1812 and the University Mineralogical Museum, which operated from 1868 to 1945. In the 19th century, the collections were modest until director Ferdinand Roemer significantly expanded them, moving the museum to the new building of the Institute of Pharmacy. In 1868, the museum opened, showcasing not only minerals but also rocks and fossils, with a strong emphasis on paleontology. After the war, many exhibits were recovered, although the collection of precious stones was taken to Berlin. The museum reopened in 1952, and in 1966, thanks to the efforts of Professor Maślankiewicz, more of the collection was made accessible. In 1985, the museum was named after its founder. Today, it houses over 30,000 minerals, about 60% of which come from the former German collection. The main exhibitions are located in both buildings, with the Kuźnicza branch also offering temporary exhibitions in medieval cellars, highlighting its architectural value. The museum is open from Monday to Friday, and the Kuźnicza branch is also open on Saturdays, supporting educational activities, including museum lessons. Unique exhibits include a diamond in kimberlite and various mineral forms, such as amazonite and malachite.