Museum of Kurpiowska Culture in Ostrołęka

The Museum of Kurpie Culture in Ostrołęka, housed in a Neoclassical townhouse from the 1820s, is a self-governing cultural institution that plays a significant role in promoting the local culture and history of the region. Initially established as the District Museum in 1975, it has operated under its current name since 1998. In 1999, it was transformed into an institution organized by the Local Government of the Masovian Voivodeship. The museum boasts extensive collections, comprising over 16,000 museum artifacts and 10,000 books. The facility includes various specialized departments, such as the Historical-Artistic Department, the Ethnographic Department, the Education and Promotion Department, as well as the Archaeological Department, established in 1997. The museum hosts numerous permanent exhibitions, such as "Ostrołęka and Kurpie: Between the Thread of History and the Weft of Life" and the "Gallery of Polish Art from the First Half of the 20th Century," which illustrate the region's cultural richness. The institution is also actively involved in educational activities, organizing workshops and classes for children and youth, which enjoy great popularity. The museum hosts recurring events like Museum Night and patriotic workshops, attracting the local community. An interesting aspect of the museum's activities is its branch—the Kurpie Farmstead in Kadzidło—where wooden architecture and everyday objects from the early 20th century are displayed, and ethnographic workshops as well as regional events are held. Thanks to comprehensive renovations carried out in 1989–1992 and 2006, the museum has improved its exhibition and storage conditions, enhancing its appeal as a cultural institution in the region.