Churches & monasteries

Former Evangelical Church in Olsztynek

By the market square in Olsztynek stands one of the town’s oldest brick-and-stone buildings: a former Evangelical church probably erected around 1350. The single-nave church was built on a rectangular plan measuring about 31 × 11 m. The lower walls are made of fieldstone and the upper sections of brick. After the Reformation, the church became Evangelical; its position by the town walls also gave it a defensive role.

Fires, tower and war

The great town fire of 30 October 1685 destroyed the church as well. The rebuilding of 1690–1691 gave it a partly baroque character. The present brick tower dates from 1796; an earlier structure was dismantled because it threatened to collapse. In 1945 the church was set on fire: the roof and interior burned, and the upper part of the tower was destroyed.

The museum exhibition hall

Reconstruction in 1974–1977 adapted the ruins for cultural use. The former church now houses the Exhibition Hall of the Museum of Folk Architecture in Olsztynek, which presents temporary exhibitions. It is a separate attraction from the Mrongowiusz House, also located at 1 Zamkowa Street. The hall is easy to combine with the Open-Air Ethnographic Park and a walk around the market square.

Visiting

The Exhibition Hall is open from June to September, Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00–17:00. In the 2026 price list, admission is PLN 13 standard, PLN 9 reduced and PLN 37 family; children under 7 enter free. Combined tickets with the Open-Air Park are also available. Outside the season, check the museum’s latest visitor information before travelling.