Archdiocesan Museum in Katowice

The Archdiocesan Museum in Katowice is a museum of religious art, the only one of its kind in the Silesian Voivodeship. It collects memorabilia connected with the history of the Catholic Church and the inhabitants of Upper Silesia. At present the institution is temporarily closed: its activity has been suspended since 2024, and the museum's website announces a temporary closure.

Where did the museum come from?

The museum was established in 1975 by decision of the Bishop of Katowice, Herbert Bednorz, although a collection of religious art had already been considered in the inter-war period. Before the Second World War the collection was deposited with the Silesian Museum, and the agreement was signed in 1938. During the occupation part of the collection was lost, and the communist authorities did not agree to its return or to an exhibition in 1974. The collection returned to the curia building in 1980, and the present seat was consecrated on 20 November 1983.

What is in the collection?

The collection includes, among others, Silesian-Lesser Poland painting of the 15th century, Renaissance and Baroque paintings, Gothic liturgical vessels, historic vestments and medieval wooden sculptures of the Virgin Mary, Christ and the saints. There are also the collections of Father Emil Szramek and Maria Korfanty Ullmann, memorabilia connected with Solidarity, over five hundred medals, and objects of folk piety and parish banners. The Fra Angelico contemporary art gallery operates at the museum.

Practical information

• Current status: the museum's website (muzeum.katowicka.pl) states that the museum is temporarily closed, and offers a virtual museum with the collections. Before your visit, check whether the institution has reopened.
• Seat: the curia building in the centre of Katowice, right next to the Cathedral of Christ the King.
• Nearby: the Katowice History Museum (about 0.9 km).