The museum was founded by Adam Chętnik in 1927, who personally oversaw the collection of thousands of artifacts.
The site occupies a historical location where a medieval defensive stronghold once stood in the 12th century.
It contains one of the largest collections of traditional Polish wooden beehives, including log-hollowed 'barcie'.
Many buildings were disassembled, transported from their original locations, and meticulously reassembled on-site to maintain historical accuracy.
The museum survived heavy damage during World War II, which necessitated a massive reconstruction effort in the post-war years.
The collection includes rare examples of 'pająki' (spiders), which are intricate traditional Polish straw and paper ornaments.
The Adam Chętnik Kurpian Open-Air Museum in Nowogród is one of Poland's oldest ethnographic outdoor museums, established in 1927. Situated on a high escarpment overlooking the confluence of the Narew and Pisa rivers, it preserves the traditional wooden architecture of the Kurpie region. The site features dozens of historical wooden structures, including peasant cottages, barns, watermills, and granaries relocated from various Kurpian villages. Visitors can explore authentic interiors furnished with period tools, household implements, and traditional textiles. The museum houses a significant collection of wooden beekeeping equipment, documenting the region's historical importance in apiculture. Adam Chętnik, the museum's founder, was a passionate ethnographer who curated these exhibits to reflect the material culture of Kurpie before the onset of modern industrialization. The museum grounds are laid out to mimic the spatial organization of a historic Kurpian settlement. Educational workshops are periodically held to demonstrate traditional folk crafts like paper cutting and weaving. It serves as a living archive of a specific sub-ethnic group in northeastern Poland.
The elevated viewing point overlooking the river confluence and the main entrance gate.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes as the museum grounds are expansive and include natural terrain paths.
Bring insect repellent during late spring and summer months as the riverside location is prone to mosquitoes.
Check the museum's social media page for live workshop schedules, as these vary by the season.
Avoid visiting during heavy rain as the outdoor paths can become muddy and some smaller buildings may be closed for preservation.
The museum is generally closed to the public during the winter months (November to April) and operates seasonally.
Respect the authenticity of the historical interiors by not touching the fragile artifacts; do not enter buildings where prohibited by signage.
