African Studies Museum in Olkusz

The African Studies Museum in Olkusz is in the town centre at ulica Szpitalna 32 and is run by the Municipal Centre of Culture. About a thousand exhibits of African art and culture have been gathered in it.

Collections

The collection includes sculptures in wood and metal, masks, musical instruments, jewellery, textiles, leather goods and ivory carvings. The culture of the Tuareg and of the peoples of the Gulf of Guinea region and the Congo basin is represented.

The Kubarski Collection

A separate part is the Anna and Leon Kubarski Collection of Art and Painting of Black Africa, opened in February 2007. Anna and Leon Kubarski donated to the museum, from 2001, over 900 objects, among them paintings, malachite sculptures and ivory items.

History of the museum

The museum was founded in 1971 thanks to a donation from Dr Bogdan Szczygieł and his wife. In 1984 it was moved to a former hospital building, and in 2005 it was renovated and new exhibitions were arranged.

Practical information

• Address: Szpitalna 32, Olkusz.
• Check the opening hours on the website of the Municipal Centre of Culture.
• Other museums operate next door, for example Underground Olkusz, so the visit is easy to combine with sightseeing in the town.