Wystawa stała. Muzeum Dawnych Tortur

In the heart of the city of Zielona Góra, in the deep cellars of the Lubuskie Land Museum, lies one of the most impressive and somber places in Poland — the Museum of Ancient Torture. This unique exhibition is the country's largest display dedicated to the history of medieval criminal law and methods of punishment. Spanning approximately 200 m², it presents a stark picture of the past to its guests, brought to life through realistic reconstructions.

Museum of Ancient Torture. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Visitors find themselves in authentic interiors with vaulted ceilings and brick floors, where prison cells and courtrooms have been recreated. The dimly lit atmosphere and specific decorations make this place more than just a museum, but a true portal to the early modern period. The exhibition includes both authentic artifacts and masterfully executed replicas of torture devices used during the infamous witch trials.

The engravings by artist Robert Jurga are of particular value, illustrating the use of the presented tools in great detail. The museum is aimed at those interested in legal history and the social psychology of past centuries. Due to the graphic nature of some scenes and the heavy atmosphere, a visit is recommended for guests aged 12 and older.

To plan your visit to this unusual museum, it is helpful to check its contact details and official resources in advance. Up-to-date information will help you clarify visit details or book a guided tour. Below are the main ways to contact the institution's administration.

The main reason to descend into the dungeons is the opportunity to explore a detailed reconstruction of a medieval prison. You can look inside a torture chamber and the hall where sentences were once passed on women accused of witchcraft. The collection includes chilling instruments such as the rack, "iron maidens", and devices for psychological pressure, each accompanied by explanations.

The immersion into the era is enhanced by carefully designed sound effects. In the silence of the dungeons, the clanking of heavy chains, distant groans, and the monotonous reading of court sentences suddenly ring out, sparking the imagination. Engravings on the walls help explain the mechanics of each device, making the tour not only emotional but also educational.

For those who want to learn more about the local context, it is worth noting the connection between the exhibits and the history of Zielona Góra itself. You can examine materials about real 17th-century court cases and learn about the fates of the people whose stories form the basis of this exhibition. This place is ideal for independent exploration in silence or a thoughtful walk with a guide.

The museum is located in the heart of the city at 15 Niepodległości Avenue (al. Niepodległości 15). Thanks to its central location, it is easily accessible on foot from almost anywhere in the historical center. If you are in the Old Town area, the walk will only take a few minutes.

For those arriving by public transport, a convenient landmark is the Zielona Góra Główna railway station. From the station, you can walk to the museum in 10–15 minutes or use local buses that run regularly through the center. Public transport stops are located in the immediate vicinity of the museum building.

If you are traveling by car, parking spaces are provided near the museum; however, keep in mind that parking in the city center may require a fee on weekdays. For easy navigation, it is recommended to use the coordinates 51.94161, 15.50848, which will lead you directly to the entrance of the Lubuskie Land Museum.

The permanent exhibition "Museum of Ancient Torture" was officially opened on February 21, 2007. It became an important part of the Lubuskie Land Museum and was created to demonstrate the evolution of criminal law and punishment systems in Lower Silesia and Brandenburg. Particular attention in the collection is paid to the tragic events of the 17th century, when mass witch trials took place in the region.

The Lubuskie Land Museum itself, in whose basements the exhibition is located, has deep roots — it was founded back in 1922 as a German local history museum (Heimatmuseum). After 1945, it changed its status to a city museum and later became a district museum. Since the late 1950s, the institution has occupied the majestic former Starosty building, which in itself lends the exhibitions a special historical atmosphere.

The historical context of the exhibition refers to the era of the 15th–17th centuries, when the use of brutal interrogations reached its peak. The exhibition mentions important historical documents, such as the famous "Malleus Maleficarum" (Hammer of Witches), and tells how society's attitude toward torture changed. The creation of this space was made possible by the initiative of Director Toczewski, who sought to turn the museum into a modern educational center.

To carefully view the entire exhibition, read the descriptions of the instruments, and examine the detailed engravings, most visitors need between 1 and 1.5 hours. The exhibition covers about 200 m², but due to the abundance of small details and the specific atmosphere, there is no need to rush.

If you decide to use a guide or an audio guide, your stay may increase to 2 hours. This will allow you to delve deeper into historical details and hear bone-chilling legends associated with specific exhibits and witch trials.

The museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, with standard opening hours from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The exhibition is closed to the public on Mondays, which is common practice for many state museums in the region.

Please note that the schedule may change on public and religious holidays. Before your trip, it is recommended to check the official website of the Lubuskie Land Museum to confirm current information and avoid any inconveniences.

A stroll around the area after visiting the museum will allow you to switch gears and discover other facets of the city. The central part, where the exhibition is located, is full of historical monuments, cozy squares, and interesting architectural sites.

Here you can find both evidence of ancient architecture and modern leisure centers, making this area ideal for a long acquaintance with urban culture. Below is a list of nearby sites worth visiting.