Museums

Podlaskie Museum in Białystok

The Podlaskie Museum in Białystok is a regional museum whose main building is the historic Town Hall at 10 Kościuszki Square. It presents the history and art of Podlaskie in one of the city centre’s characteristic buildings. The museum also runs branches elsewhere, but this listing refers to the Town Hall.

The Town Hall and the museum’s history

Białystok Town Hall is a rare example in Poland of an alkiercz town hall, dating from the mid-18th century. In 1940 it was demolished by the Soviet authorities occupying the city. Reconstruction began in 1953 to a design by Zofia Chojnacka and was completed in 1958, when the building became the home of the District Museum. The institution’s history goes back to 1949; since 2000 it has been known as the Podlaskie Museum in Białystok.

What to see

The Town Hall houses the Gallery of Polish Painting, a permanent exhibition presenting the history of painting from the second half of the 18th century. Artists represented include Bacciarelli, Lampi, Michałowski, Boznańska, Malczewski and Witkacy. Check the temporary exhibitions and education programme as well.

Practical information

Address: 10 Kościuszki Square, 15-426 Białystok. From October to April, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00; from May to September, it is open from 10:00 to 18:00. It is closed on Mondays, and last admission is one hour before closing. A standard ticket costs PLN 14 and a reduced ticket PLN 7; permanent exhibitions are free on Wednesdays. Check the current exhibition programme and holiday exceptions before travelling.