Krystyna and Włodzimierz Tomek Nature Museum, Ciężkowice

About 200 bird species, hundreds of butterflies, a brown bear and a glass floor over a recreated meadow with amphibians and reptiles – all in a small museum in Ciężkowice. Its collection is the life's work of one family: Dr Włodzimierz Tomek and his wife Krystyna, who collected specimens and campaigned for nature conservation for more than half a century.

History

Before the museum existed, the Tomeks' collection could be seen in their family house on ulica św. Andrzeja. The museum was established in 1989, when the collection went on show in a building owned by the municipality. After Włodzimierz Tomek's death in 1995 the municipality bought the collection from the family with money from the regional Environmental Protection Fund in Tarnów. In 2009, during building work, the museum moved temporarily to the former "Sokół" gymnastic society building, and since December 2011 it has occupied its present modern premises. It is part of the Ciężkowice Culture and Promotion Centre.

What to see

• The bird collection – about 200 species arranged by order and family. More than 20 are listed in the Polish Red Data Book, and some are extinct.
• The insect collection – around 500 specimens, including 300 butterflies.
• Mammals and hunting trophies, including full mounts such as a brown bear against a painted forest.
• More than 100 models of vascular plants, plus fossils.
• Interactive stations: a glass floor with recreated habitats and models of Poland's reptiles and amphibians, an illuminated model of bird plumage, players with bird calls and a river projection showing local fish.

Tripto tip

The museum is at ulica 3 Maja 34. According to its website it is open Monday to Thursday 8:00–16:00 and Saturday and Sunday 10:00–18:00. Separate hours apply on public holidays and long weekends, and the museum publishes its prices online. Allow 45–60 minutes. It makes a good stop with children before or after a walk in the Petrified City – the reserve is about 1.5 km away.