North Masovian Museum in Łomża

The North Masovian Museum in Łomża, founded on March 14, 1948, by ethnographer Adam Chętnik, is a regional institution that collects exhibits related to Kurpie culture and art, from prehistory to modern times. The museum's history dates back to 1946, when Chętnik established the North Masovian Institute, which initiated efforts to protect the cultural heritage of the region. The museum began its operations in 1948 in a small headquarters with an area of 108 m², and its first permanent exhibition focused on the culture and nature of North-Eastern Masovia. Over the years, the museum changed locations several times until it moved to its current address at 22 Dwornej Street in 2006, into a building with an area of 1,550 m² that underwent modernization. Architecturally, the facility is an adaptation of a historical building, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage. In 2009, a modernization project began to make the building accessible to people with disabilities and to expand the exhibition space. The museum also organizes numerous cultural events, including "Skansen Meetings" and "Returns to the Past," which promote local traditions and folklore. By 2005, the museum had organized 197 temporary exhibitions, demonstrating its active role in promoting regional culture. Currently, the museum is directed by Paulina Bronowicz-Chojak, who took up the position in December 2021. An interesting fact is the "Bursztynowy kierec" (Amber Hook) award, which has been presented since 1996 to recognize the institution's donors. The museum serves as an important center for research and promotion of Kurpie culture, and its collections and activities are of great significance to the local community.