Museum and Gallery of the Konarzewski Family in Istebna

The Museum and Gallery of the Konarzewski Family is a private museum on Bucznik, in a settlement and former artists' colony in Istebna. It tells the story of a family of artists who from the 1920s created studios, a gallery and a private chapel here.

Who the Konarzewskis were

The collections are devoted above all to the work of Ludwik Konarzewski senior (1885-1954), his son Ludwik Konarzewski junior and the junior's wife, Joanna Konarzewska. Alongside them the museum shows the output of several other members of the family.

What is in the collections

The story is illustrated with memorabilia of the composer Stanisław Konarzewski, paintings and sculptures by both Ludwiks, paintings and prints by Joanna Konarzewska, art ceramics by Maria Konarzewska-Wszołek and art textiles by Jadwiga Konarzewska-Patykiewicz.

Visitors also learn the history of the family, the story of the founding of the museum in the 1920s and of the artists' colony on Bucznik: the art-craft workshops and the Bucznik guesthouse. The private chapel dedicated to Our Lady Queen of the Polish Crown has been preserved. Members of the family guide visitors around the chapel and the gallery.

Nearby

Istebna has more places to see in the neighbourhood. About 2 km from here is Kawulok's Smoke Cottage, and less than a kilometre further the Zagroń Istebna Complex.

Practical information

• Location: the Bucznik settlement in Istebna (Cieszyn County), in the family home.
• The museum is open by telephone arrangement, so a visit has to be booked in advance.
• Visits are guided by the family.