The Cracow Marksmen Brotherhood and the Municipal Defence

permanent event

  • permanent event
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Permanent exhibition is currently presented in two rooms: Bracka and Strzelecka.
Sala Strzelecka split down the middle by a neo-Gothic colonnade, largely recreates the nineteenth-century appearance of this room, with the frieze made from the portraits of Krakow's Fowler Kings dominating the ceiling. Below the portraits, historical paintings and tondi show the major events from the Brotherhood’s history. The symbol of the Brotherhood and the most important insignia of the Fowler King – the silver fowler was placed in the middle of the room, against the background of the former exit to the shooting range. In front of the fowler, the unique abdication gifts of "bird rulers" (so-called "jewels”) are presented. The showcases on the side contain valuable brotherhood souvenirs, e.g. silverware - a gift from Emperor Franz Josef I and other cups and trophies. The insignia of the royal marshals and the fraternity’s authorities, i.e. the president and vice presidents, were showcased separately: scepters, canes and chains. The history of the brotherhood also includes two books: a memorial with entries informing about the most important events, and the Royal Book, where Fowler Kings have been putting their entries since the 19th century until today – presented open at the current entry of the Bird Ruler in office. The cabinets along the western wall show examples of weapons and firearms used by the city’s defenders, that is, the Fowler Brothers throughout the society’s history.
Sala Bracka documents the latest history of the Shooting Society, i.e. since the end of World War II to present day. Since the Brotherhood continues to write its contemporary history, this part of the exhibition is the most often to change. This room also stores souvenirs documenting the attachment to the Catholic faith and Christian culture, and especially the Society’s close and cordial relationships with the Holy Father John Paul II - an Honorary Fowler Brother. A number of gifts donated by the Society’s chaplain prelate Jerzy Bryła, e.g. a chasuble and a cross. In 1998, the collection was supplemented with memorabilia of European shooting brotherhoods, a gift from the Presidium of the European Federation of Shooting Brotherhoods (EGS). The Brotherhood’s collection at MHK is constantly being supplemented with new souvenirs, which are being systematically sent to the exhibition. The current exhibition refers to the arrangements from 1997, 2012, with elements of later changes and new items in an arrangement referring to historical presentations in Sala Strzelecka – a representative hall in the historical seat of the Fowler Brotherhood.  The exhibition is complete with the Entrance Hall showcasing the collection of shooting range targets from competitions for the title of the Fowler King from the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, up to this year’s.

ul. Lubicz 16

Celestat

ul. Lubicz 16

This is where you can learn the true history of the Silver Fowl, allegedly presented by no one else but King Sigismund Augustus himself to the Kraków Sharpshooters’ Association in 1565.

The symbol and most precious treasure of the Sharpshooters’ Association, incorporated in Kraków in the 13th century to defend the city against its enemies, is the Silver Fowl. Legend holds that it was a present from none other than King Sigismund Augustus himself. The truth can be learned from the exhibition in Celestat presenting the history of the Kraków Sharpshooters’ Association and the city’s defences in the former seat of the brotherhood, where many a distinguished guest has been entertained, notably the Emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph I, and where the most precious mementoes of the sharpshooters’ traditions have been collected.

Tickets: regular 16, concessions 12, family PLN 32

 

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