Museums in Koszalin: a guide to the most important cultural institutions
- Damian Brzeski
- 3 hours ago
- 8 min read
Wondering what to do in Koszalin besides strolling around the market square? Or perhaps you think this city is just a transfer point to the seaside?
Wrong! Koszalin has its own identity – full of history, military artifacts, art, and ethnographic gems.
In this guide, you'll discover museums that can truly surprise – and not just history buffs.
Main museums in Koszalin
The focal point of the city's cultural infrastructure is the Koszalin Museum, which serves as a regional institution. The Aircraft Defense Museum also plays a unique role, contributing to the city's national military heritage documentation system.
Museum in Koszalin – history and significance
Located at 37-39 Młyńska Street, the museum is nestled in a historically dense space. It manages a collection of over 45,000 exhibits , systematically developed by specialized departments.
It is not only a place for exhibitions, but also a thriving research center that conducts archaeological excavations providing new data on settlement in Central Pomerania.
Air Defense Museum – the city's military heritage
The Colonel Stanisław Paszkiewicz Museum documents the development of sky defense formations since 1919.
The outdoor exhibition, including large-scale artillery and rocket equipment , makes this facility unique.
The museum plays an important role in civic education, showcasing the construction efforts of generations of Polish anti-aircraft fighters.
The Koszalin museum space is an ecosystem where archaeology meets ethnography, and military technology meets avant-garde art.
Below you will find a list of the most important facilities that will help you plan your visit:
Name of the facility | Main Message / Topics | Key exhibits | Location |
Museum in Koszalin | History, archaeology and art of the region | Miller's Palace, 45,000 exhibits | Młyńska Street 37-39 |
Anti-Aircraft Defense Museum | The development of Polish military thought and technology | Yak-40 aircraft, missile systems | Polish Army Street |
Jamno Farmstead | The unique folk culture of the village of Jamno | Painted furniture, craft workshops | Koszalin-Jamno |
Executioner's House | Medieval law and city history | Gothic architecture from the 15th century | Grodzka Street 3 |
Stone Circles | The Legacy of the Goths (1st-3rd centuries AD) | Stone circles, barrows | Mycelium |
Museum branches and monuments
Koszalin's museum structure is characterized by polycentricity. The dispersion of its branches fosters the revitalization of various parts of the city, creating a network of locations with high tourist potential.
Jamno Farmstead – Pomeranian folk art
This is a reconstruction of a historic fishing farm documenting the phenomenon of the so-called "cultural island" .
Due to geographical isolation, a separate ethnographic group with specific customs and ornamentation was formed in Jamno.
The farm is a lively craft center where ceramics and weaving workshops are held.
The Executioner's House - history and exhibition function
Built in the Gothic style in the 15th century, it is the oldest surviving tenement house in Koszalin . Its function is linked to the death penalty law, which the city obtained in 1481.
Currently, it serves as a space for historical exhibitions referring to the dark aspects of the city's history.
Stone Circles – the archaeological heritage of the region
The reserve in the Grzybnicki Forest documents the presence of the Goths in the 1st-3rd centuries AD. The discovery of 5 stone circles and barrows allowed for the study of diverse funeral rituals.
It is a place with a strong cultural impact , attracting people interested in esotericism and "places of power".
Historic Villa in Koszalin
The neoclassical villa at 53 Piłsudskiego Street is an architectural gem that was the first home to a Polish museum.
Although it is currently awaiting renovation, it has unique features such as carved oak front doors and representative tiled stoves .
Permanent and temporary exhibitions
The exhibition programme combines reliable documentation of long-term processes with reflection on groundbreaking events for the region.
Permanent exhibitions of the Koszalin Museum – art, history and ethnography
The main exhibition offers a multi-level look at the region. Of particular interest are the archaeological exhibition with interactive kiosks and the ethnographic sections, which showcase fully functional machines from a shoemaker's workshop and a Pomeranian forge.
Temporary exhibitions – current displays and topics
In 2026, the museum will implement projects that engage in dialogue with the identity of residents.
An example is the exhibition "Reorientations", where museum staff redefine the meaning of avant-garde collections in the context of contemporary aesthetic problems.
Exhibition "The Great Solstice" - Central Harvest Festival 1975
A project prepared for the 50th anniversary of an event that permanently changed the city's landscape. The exhibition deconstructs state ceremonial from the Gierek era, juxtaposing the propaganda of success with the private, often forgotten stories of the participants.
Everyday life in Pomerania in the mid-20th century – the life of settlers after the war
The exhibition documents the fate of people who came to Pomerania from the Eastern Borderlands and Central Poland.
It shows the settlers' modest possessions and the process of adapting objects left behind by German residents, serving an important therapeutic function for the families of the displaced.
Stylish interiors and applied art
The section of ancient art, located in the historic rooms of the Gellért tenement house, shows the changes in the tastes and social status of the Pomeranian elites over the centuries.
Biedermeier, Empire and Art Nouveau styles in the museum exhibition
The Biedermeier style emphasizes bourgeois comfort and the cult of domesticity . The Empire room, on the other hand, is a testament to the fascination with antiquity.
Art Nouveau, which concludes the stylistic sequence, shows a revolution of organic forms and flowing lines.
Baroque style, historicism and early baroque – furniture and painting
The early Baroque interiors are dominated by monumental Pomeranian wardrobes from the 17th century, symbols of the power of local families.
Historicism, on the other hand, shows the second half of the 19th century as a time of return to historical forms, which completes the image of the visual culture of old Koszalin.
Specialized collections
Koszalin museums possess resources which, due to their rarity, contribute to the prestige of these institutions on a national scale.
Numismatics – coins and medals in the museum collection
The Numismatics Office boasts a collection of over 1,600 coins , including Roman denarii. Of key importance to the region are the treasure troves of modern coins belonging to the last rulers of Pomerania, the House of Griffin, which allow us to trace ancient trade routes.
Military exhibits of the Air Defence Museum – artillery and military technology
The museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about rocketry on a 1:1 scale. Among the most spectacular exhibits are:
Yak-40 aircraft (formerly used for VIP transport).
S-75M "Volkhov" missile system .
Hibnerite-class anti-aircraft artillery.
Open-air workshops in Osieki – contemporary art in Pomerania
The Osiecka Collection is the most valuable collection of contemporary art in the region. It originates from the International Meetings of Artists and Scientists (1963-1981), where the Polish avant-garde (e.g.
Henryk Stażewski ) created pioneering happenings.
Education and social activities
The museum's modern mission focuses on actively building social capital through forms of engagement that go beyond traditional sightseeing.
Museum education in Koszalin – programs for children and adults
The program includes history lessons and craft workshops. Educational trails are available for schools, using authentic artifacts as catalysts for social studies.
Series of meetings: "High Noon" and "Art-Close-Ups"
Regular Sunday meetings with curators deepen knowledge of the region's history. The "Sztuko-zprzynienia" program is dedicated to popularizing contemporary art, addressing topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence on the creative process .
Koszalin Memorial Archive – memories of residents
A groundbreaking oral history initiative, the project gathers accounts from the oldest residents, enriching official documents with the emotions and colors of everyday life, building a strong bond with the local community.
Publications and digital accessibility
Scientific and documentary activities are reflected in the rich publishing output and modern digitization of collections.
Koszalin Museum Notebooks – documentation of research and activities
A renowned scientific journal documenting, among other things, the discovery of megalithic tombs . In 2026, the journal will be available in digital format, facilitating access to knowledge for researchers around the world.
Virtual Museum Tours – Online Tours in 2026
The museum offers a comprehensive virtual tourism offer:
360 virtual tours of the Jamno Farmstead.
Drone views of the complex on Młyńska Street.
Mobile applications using augmented reality (AR) .
People and history of the institution
The success of institutions is inextricably linked to the vision of the people who created them during turbulent historical periods.
The history of the Koszalin Museum – from 1912 to the present day
The institution has come a long way from a German regional museum to a modern center of Polish culture. A key moment came with its relocation to the Millers' Palace in 2005 , which allowed for the creation of exhibitions of European standard.
Jakub Rokicki – the first curator and the reconstruction of the collections after the war
A legendary figure who, in December 1945, undertook the task of securing the surviving collections. Rokicki saved not only archaeological artifacts but also 60,000 books , laying the foundations for today's institution.
His work in extreme conditions remains a symbol of his dedication to heritage preservation.
Some takeaways: Koszalin's museums in 2026 are a mature system that not only preserves the past but actively shapes the identities of its residents. It's your turn to discover these extraordinary stories for yourself!
FAQ – Museums in Koszalin: everything you need to know before your visit
Find answers to frequently asked questions about Koszalin museums, their unique collections and sightseeing opportunities.
Where is the headquarters of the Koszalin Museum? The main museum complex is located at 37-39 Młyńska Street, in the historic Miller's Palace.
What does the Air Defense Museum do? It documents Polish military thought and air defense technology from 1919 to the present.
What is the Jamno Farm? It's a reconstructed fishing farm in the Jamno district, showcasing the culture of the so-called "cultural island."
What makes the Executioner's House unique? It is the oldest Gothic tenement house in Koszalin, dating back to the 15th century, and currently serves as an exhibition space.
Where to find the Stone Circles? The Goths Archaeological Reserve is located in the Grzybnicki Forest, approximately 20 km from Koszalin.
How many exhibits does the museum have? The institution manages an impressive collection of over 45,000 artifacts from various fields.
What is the "Great Solstice" exhibition about? It commemorates the 1975 Central Harvest Festival, analyzing its impact on the city's modernization.
Who was Jakub Rokicki? He was the first Polish curator who secured and saved thousands of monuments and books from destruction in 1945.
What interior styles can be seen at the Miller's Palace? The exhibition includes salons in the Baroque, Empire, Biedermeier, and Art Nouveau styles.
Can you go inside an airplane at the Air Force Museum? Yes, one of the biggest attractions is the opportunity to climb inside a Yak-40 government aircraft.
What are the Koszalin Museum Journals? They are a prestigious scientific periodical documenting archaeological and historical research conducted in the region.
Does the museum offer virtual tours? Yes, 360-degree virtual tours, drone views, and augmented reality (AR) apps are available in 2026.
What is the Koszalin Memory Archive project? It's an initiative to collect and archive personal accounts and memories of the city's oldest residents.
What is the Osieki Collection? It is the most valuable collection of Polish avant-garde art in the region, created during plein-air workshops in Osieki.
What are the most valuable coins in the collection? The collection includes Roman denarii and unique treasures of coins from the House of Griffin.
Does the museum offer workshops for children? Yes, including classes in ceramics, weaving, and woodcarving at the Jamneńska Farm.
What is "Sztuko-zprzynienia" (Art-Close-Ups)? It's a series of popular science lectures analyzing contemporary artistic phenomena, including the impact of AI on creativity.
Where is the Historic Villa located and is it open to visitors? Located at 53 Piłsudskiego Street, it is currently closed to visitors and awaiting renovation.
Are the facilities accessible to people with disabilities? The main complex on Młyńska Street has modern infrastructure adapted to the needs of people with limited mobility.
What research departments are active at the museum? The following departments operate: Archaeology, Ethnography, History, Numismatics, and Ancient and Contemporary Art.
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