The museum is located in a Neo-Renaissance mansion built for Karol Scheibler, once the wealthiest factory owner in the city.
It preserves the 'Mauser' animation studio equipment used in the creation of internationally recognized stop-motion films.
The collection includes the 'Fotoplastikon', a late 19th-century viewing device that displays stereoscopic images.
The building was designed by architects Hilary Majewski and Edward Lilpop in the late 1880s.
It houses a rare collection of optical toys and pre-cinematic devices like magic lanterns and zoetropes.
The museum frequently collaborates with the nearby Łódź Film School to showcase student works and experimental cinema.
The Cinema Museum in Łódź is housed within the 19th-century Scheibler Palace, a former residence of a prominent textile industrialist. It remains the only museum in Poland dedicated specifically to the history of cinematography. The permanent exhibition features original animation puppets, historic film cameras, and set designs from classic Polish productions. Visitors can explore the preserved residential interiors of the palace alongside rotating displays on film techniques. The collection documents the city's status as a central hub for Polish film education and production. It holds an extensive archive of scripts, posters, and photographic equipment dating back to the medium's inception. The museum emphasizes the heritage of the Łódź Film School, which counts directors like Roman Polański and Andrzej Wajda as alumni.
The ornate, grand staircase in the palace's main lobby is the most striking architectural feature for interior photography.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Źródliska Park, which was the first public park in Łódź.
Check the temporary exhibition schedule online in advance, as the museum often hosts rotating film poster galleries.
Ask staff about the guided tours of the palace's residential quarters to understand the history of the building itself.
Do not attempt to touch the vintage cameras or display items, as many are fragile, unshielded museum artifacts.
Closed on Mondays; verify local holiday closures before visiting.
