Museum in Lębork - Discover the History of Pomerania

The Beginnings of the Museum in Lębork

The history of the museum dates back to the end of the 19th century, when a group of local enthusiasts, supported by the church, began collecting the first artifacts. At first, these were mostly random archaeological finds: stone axes, bronze ornaments. These small objects became the seed of a collection that would eventually grow to impressive proportions.

With the opening of the new town hall in 1900, the collections found their first public place. The first exhibits could be admired in glass cabinets placed in the corridors. Already in 1904, thanks to the initiative of local social activists, the "Heimat Kalender für den Kreis Lauenburg in Pommern" began to be published - local calendars, which became an important source of knowledge about the region. The breakthrough moment was the first museum exhibition, organized in 1924, which attracted the attention of history lovers from the entire area.

In 1925, the collections were moved to the District Office building, where a permanent exhibition was organized under the supervision of Edward Stielow, a social activist and enthusiast. Working with archaeologist Dr. Helut Agde, Stielow created a prehistoric exhibition that became the museum's showcase.

World War II left its mark on the museum. The collections, hidden in the premises of the district office, were partially destroyed and dispersed. Many valuable exhibits were lost or taken away. After the war, thanks to the determination of Józef Mularczyk and Edward Stielow, the effort was made to rebuild the collection. Their efforts allowed them to save what had survived and to create the foundations for a new museum.

In 1946, in a tenement house on Młynarska Street, the first rooms were opened to visitors. Despite the difficulties, the Lębork collections attracted the attention of scientists from all over Poland, who sought to have them transferred to their institutions. Thanks to the determination of local activists, the collection remained in Lębork.

Panoramic Symbol of the City: Water Tower

The Water Tower, rising proudly above the city, is not only a technical masterpiece but also a vantage point, adding a unique character to the Lębork landscape. Built in 1910-1912, according to the design of local architect Wendel, it became a key element of the city's water supply system. Its construction was a response to the growing demand of residents for access to clean water, previously drawn from city wells.

The tower, measuring 31 meters high, served not only a utilitarian but also an aesthetic function. The 13-meter turret offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area, making it a popular place for walks and contemplation. Interestingly, in its heyday, the corners of the tower's platform were lit by gas chandeliers, adding to its charm after dark. At the foot of the tower, in a building designed at the same time as the tower, there was a restaurant called "Restaurant Bismarckturm", which replaced the previous "Wilhelmshӧhe".

The water tower in Lębork is one of the Bismarck towers, which were built in honour of Chancellor Bismarck. Around 240 of them were built between 1869 and 1934, 6 were built in Pomerania, of which 5 have survived to this day.

After World War II, the tower continued its role in supplying the city with water, and the restaurant at it operated seasonally until the 1960s.

Development and modernity

The first permanent exhibition was opened in 1952, and its scenario was developed by the Pomeranian Museum in Gdańsk. In the following years, the museum developed dynamically, organizing exhibitions, conducting excavations and engaging in the cultural life of the city. Today, the Museum in Lębork is a modern institution that combines tradition with innovation. Rich archaeological, historical, ethnographic and artistic collections attract tourists and residents of the region. The museum actively cooperates with local associations, organizes seminars, workshops and cultural events, becoming an important center of social life in Lębork.

The museum, like the water tower, survived difficult times, including the turmoil of World War II, and was reborn to continue its mission. Today, it is not only a place to store historical monuments, but also a cultural center that organizes exhibitions, workshops and meetings, attracting both residents and tourists.
The Museum in Lębork is a place where the past meets the present, and history comes alive again. This is a story about people who, with passion and determination, protect the heritage of their region, passing it on to future generations.