Discover Tokarnia

The Ethnographic Park in Tokarnia is described as Poland’s largest open-air museum and presents the cultural diversity of the Świętokrzyskie region. It was founded in 1976 and began operating in 1977. For road directions: the park is on the Kielce–Kraków route, 8 km past Chęciny in the direction of Kraków.

The reconstructed interiors and historic exhibits illustrate life in different regions. The collection includes more than 80 historic buildings, including farmhouses, barns, windmills, churches and manor houses. This offers a perspective ranging from individual buildings to the question of how different regions are represented through their historic architecture.

The park includes the Baroque Church of Matki Bożej Pocieszenia, dating from 1763. A barn on the grounds was relocated here from the Bernardine Sisters’ monastery in Chęciny. These buildings provide different historical points of reference along the route, while the exhibitions explore other aspects of everyday and cultural life.

The blacksmith’s workshop from Radoska displays original tools, including tongs, hammers, punches and thread-cutting tools. Demonstrations and museum classes about the work of a rural blacksmith take place there during the tourist season. If you are particularly interested in this, check the current schedule before your visit.

An exhibition in a cottage in the loess sector shows part of a wedding ceremony centered on the oczepiny: the ceremonial removal of the bride’s crown. Another exhibition is devoted to Jan Bernasiewicz. It was established in 1991 and includes more than 600 sculptures, as well as numerous photographs and personal mementos. The park also has an exhibition of horse-drawn carriages.

A tall wooden oak cross is also part of the park. It comes from the area around Włoszczowa. According to oral tradition, the Maupa couple donated the cross in 1918; the donors’ intention is unknown. This information is explicitly based on oral tradition.

The historic monastery barn from Chęciny at the park entrance houses the ticket office, tourist information and a publications shop. If you plan to use any of these services, check their current availability before your trip.

Bus connections to Tokarnia from Kielce and Jędrzejów are listed for planning your journey. Bear in mind that the PKS bus stop is a considerable distance from the Ethnographic Park. Check the operator’s current information before travelling. Road directions are a separate matter: the park is 8 km past Chęciny on the Kielce–Kraków route, in the direction of Kraków.

Discover more destinations: Chrusty, Zaborowice, Bęczków, Kielce, Krajno Pierwsze, Micigózd, Chałupki, Ciosowa.

When do the blacksmith demonstrations take place?

Demonstrations and museum classes take place during the tourist season. If you are planning to attend, check the current schedule before your visit.

What does the exhibition about the oczepiny show?

A cottage in the loess sector displays part of a wedding ceremony centered on the ceremonial removal of the bride’s crown.

What should you bear in mind when travelling by bus?

Bus connections to Tokarnia from Kielce and Jędrzejów are listed. The PKS bus stop is a considerable distance from the Ethnographic Park; check the operator’s current information before travelling.

For the broader travel overview: Kielce.