Museum of Folk Architecture in Olsztynek

The Open-Air Museum of Folk Architecture – Ethnographic Park in Olsztynek, commonly known as the skansen, is an open-air museum located in Olsztynek that collects traditional folk architecture of the region. Its history dates back to 1909, when the Dorfmuseum Königsberg was established. In 1937, it was decided to relocate the museum to Olsztynek, which was carried out between 1938 and 1942, although not all structures were successfully moved. After World War II, the museum was overseen by the Provincial Monument Conservator, and in 1961, the Ethnographic Park was created. In 1969, it gained the status of an independent institution under the name MBL-PE. Today, the skansen covers an area of approximately 77 hectares and features 68 architectural objects, including cottages from various regions such as Powiśle, Warmia, and Masuria. Among its valuable exhibits are various structures, including replicas of historic inns and mills from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as schoolrooms and poor peasants' huts. The museum is actively involved in promoting folk culture through educational exhibitions and workshops, highlighting its cultural role in the region. In 2009, the museum received the prestigious Oskar Kolberg Honorary Award. It is also a founding member of the Association of Open-Air Museums in Poland, underscoring its importance in the preservation of cultural heritage. In Olsztynek, visitors can not only explore traditional folk architecture but also encounter rare breeds of farm animals, further enriching the educational experience offered by the institution.