Biographical exhibition of Jan Matejko
permanent event
The permanent exhibition is housed in the family home of Jan Matejko (1838-1893), the greatest Polish artist working in the genre of history painting, a collector and an enthusiast for monuments, particularly those in Krakow. The old Krakow building (rebuilt in the 18th and 19th centuries) is the place where Jan Matejko was born, lived with his family, created his paintings and passed away.
The exhibits include everyday objects and memorabilia of the artist and his family: his wife Teodora Matejko née Giebułtowska (1846-1896), children: Tadeusz (1865-1911), Helena Unierzyska (1867-1932), Beata Kirchmayerowa (1869-1926), Jerzy (1873-1827) and Regina (1878-1878). The collection comprises letters, official documents, jubilee mementos, tokens of appreciation, and, above all, oil paintings and drawings, objects from Matejko's collection accumulated throughout his life, works of other artists, family photographs, photographs of the master's paintings taken in the 19th century as well as his collection of books and music scores.
The Jan Matejko House
ul. Floriańska 41
This is where the most famous Polish painter of the 19th century, whose paintings generations of Poles became perfectly familiar with, was born.
The most famous Polish historical painter of the 19th century, the artist behind the monumental canvases describing the turning points in the history of Poland, was born in this mansion on ulica Floriańska. The paintings of Jan Matejko (1838–83) became known to generations of Poles. The museum faithfully reconstructs the decor and furnishing of the rooms from the time when the artist occupied them, embellishing it with numerous mementoes. The living room and bedroom have preserved original furnishings together with personal effects, trinkets, and family photographs. The painting gallery features, among others, sketches that preceded the great canvases, including Nicolas Copernicus and King John III Sobieski at Vienna, which are presented in far larger galleries in Poland. A video devoted to the work of the great master can be seen in his former workshop. The museum also contains testimonies to the collecting passions of Matejko: the artist gathered examples of artistic crafts and militaria from Poland, Europe, and the Middle and Far East, which he used as props for his paintings. Yet his collection contains not only fabrics, costumes, suits of armour, and weapons dating back to various periods in history, but also ancient instruments of torture.
Tickets: normal PLN 18, concessions PLN 14, family PLN 36, admission free on Tuesday
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