Palaeontological Museum in Lisowice

The Palaeontological Museum in Lisowice, in Lubliniec County, presents fossils from the Late Triassic, about 210 million years old, discovered in a nearby brickworks in Lipie Śląskie. The museum was established in 2008, and in 2024, after the renovation of the building, the exhibition was moved upstairs and arranged anew as an interactive, multimedia display.

Why there are dinosaurs in Lisowice

Excavations in the brickworks pit began in 2006 and were carried out in cooperation with scientists from the Institute of Paleobiology of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The first exhibition was created with the participation of the Municipality of Pawonków, the Institute of Paleobiology, the Association for the Development of the Lisowice Village and the village council. The initiative came from the villagers.

The best-known find is Lisowicia bojani, regarded as the largest and youngest known dicynodont. Scientists described it in the journal “Science”. The exhibition also includes the skeleton of a huge archosaur named the Wawel Dragon (Smok wawelski), which was regarded as the first Polish predatory dinosaur. A reconstruction of its skeleton was made in 2012 by the artist Marta Szubert.

What else is in the display cases

The collection is supplemented by a dinosauromorph, a pterosaur, a rauisuchian and labyrinthodonts, as well as the only tooth of the early mammal Hallautherium found in Poland. There are also coprolites, that is fossilised droppings, tracks of animals and insects, and plant remains: trunks, twigs, seed scales. According to the museum, fifteen new plant species were found in the pit.

How to visit

The museum offers guided tours, as well as audio guides in versions including one for families with children, in English, in sign language and with audio description. The museum declares that it is adapted for people with disabilities and runs palaeontological and geological workshops. Since 2021 it has come under the Municipal Public Library in Pawonków.

Practical information

• Address: ul. Mickiewicza 20, 42-700 Lisowice.
• According to the museum's website, visiting hours differ for groups and individual visitors. Check the dates and booking rules before your visit.
• Nearby is the Palace in Dralin; Lubliniec with Lubliniec Castle is about 4 km away.