The open-air exhibition includes a 17th-century wooden church from Ryczów, which was moved to the site to preserve its architectural integrity.
The manor house at the center of the museum dates back to 1710 and was relocated from Droginia.
The collection focuses on the ethnographic history of the Vistula and Przemsza river regions.
The museum organizes annual events dedicated to traditional Polish bread baking and harvest festivals.
Many of the relocated cottages feature authentic interior furnishings and agricultural tools from the Western Lesser Poland region.
The museum is situated in a valley directly adjacent to the ruins of the 13th-century Lipowiec Castle.
The Museum of Western Lesser Poland is an ethnographic open-air museum located in Wygiełzów that preserves the rural architectural heritage of the Krakow and Chrzanów regions. The site features a collection of relocated wooden buildings, including historic cottages, a manor house, an inn, and a wooden church, all representative of 18th and 19th-century village life. It functions as a park-like exhibition space where original structures have been reconstructed to reflect traditional homestead layouts. The museum grounds include an orchard of old fruit tree varieties and gardens maintained according to historical practices. It frequently hosts workshops on traditional folk crafts, such as weaving, pottery, and regional cooking. The museum is integrated into the natural landscape at the base of a forested hill near the Lipowiec Castle ruins.
The main path facing the wooden church with the Lipowiec Castle ruins visible in the background.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes, as the paths between buildings are mostly gravel and grass.
Visit the small exhibition hall near the entrance before walking the grounds to understand the history of the relocated buildings.
Allow time to hike the short trail leading to the nearby Lipowiec Castle ruins for a panoramic view of the park.
Attempting to see the entire site in under an hour, as the distance between the historic structures is significant.
Closed on Mondays; outdoor exhibitions may have restricted access during winter months due to snow.
Respect the restricted interiors of the historic wooden cottages; do not touch exhibits unless permitted by signs.
