Krosno: Glass History and Old Town Culture

• The permanent exhibition at the Muzeum Rzemiosła explores crafts, with a particular focus on Krosno and the surrounding area.
• The “Historia oświetlenia” exhibition focuses on sources of light, from ancient oil lamps to electric lamps from the first half of the 20th century.
• At the Centrum Dziedzictwa Szkła, visitors can learn about glassmaking and try blowing a glass vessel such as a vase.
• The Rynek is surrounded by historic townhouses and is now a place for walks and outdoor events.

The permanent exhibition “Dzieje rzemiosła Polski południowo-wschodniej” at the Muzeum Rzemiosła features documents on crafts from the 18th to the 20th century, as well as everyday objects and tools from the 19th and 20th centuries. Its particular focus is on Krosno and the surrounding area. The Muzeum Rzemiosła is closed until further notice.

“Historia oświetlenia” at the Muzeum Podkarpackie w Krośnie offers a different view across time. The exhibition presents a significant collection of kerosene lamps from various production centers in Europe and around the world, as well as other sources of light: from ancient oil lamps to electric lamps from the first half of the 20th century. Krosno’s cultural offerings thus set craft tools and everyday objects alongside the development of lighting across several eras.

The Centrum Dziedzictwa Szkła shows how glass is made in a modern way and documents Krosno’s many connections to the glass industry. A hands-on activity complements this introduction: visitors can pick up a glassblowing pipe and try to blow a glass vessel such as a vase. Check the current conditions for this activity before your visit.

The Rynek is surrounded by historic townhouses from various eras and is distinguished by its Renaissance arcades. As a place for walks and outdoor events, the square combines its present-day use with this architectural setting. At Rynek 7 stands the Wójtowska townhouse, built in the 15th century and considered the oldest townhouse in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship.

A teaching model of the Old Town, the Makieta Krosna, is located on the fountain in the center of the historic Old Town. The monument to Ignacy Łukasiewicz commemorates the designer of a prototype kerosene lamp. The Portius monument offers a different point of interest: the bronze work, based on a design by Kamil Słowik, is more than 2.5 meters tall and weighs about 300 kilograms.

The Franciscan Church is Krosno’s oldest church; its oldest architectural elements date from the late 13th century. Fragments of 15th- and 16th-century wall paintings can be found in the Chapel of the Transfiguration of Christ. The parish Church of the Holy Trinity has a Gothic Crucifixion group dating from around 1420 on its monumental chancel arch. Together, these buildings and artworks represent different eras: from the oldest elements of the Franciscan Church to a datable artwork on the main arch of the parish church.

The Jewish cemetery is also one of Krosno’s historic sites. About 200 matzevot with relief symbols and Hebrew inscriptions have been preserved there.

Discover more destinations: Moderówka, Królik Polski, Bóbrka, Węglówka, Iwonicz-Zdrój, Tylawa, Korczyna, Dukla.

What does the “Historia oświetlenia” exhibition show?

It includes a collection of kerosene lamps and other sources of light, from ancient oil lamps to electric lamps from the first half of the 20th century.

What can visitors try at the Centrum Dziedzictwa Szkła?

They can pick up a glassblowing pipe and try to blow a glass vessel such as a vase. Check the current conditions for the activity in advance.

What characterizes the Rynek in Krosno?

Historic townhouses from various eras and Renaissance arcades define its surroundings. Today, the Rynek is also used for walks and outdoor events.

Go to the wider travel overview: Krośnieński.