Housed in an ornate former Masonic lodge near the Old Town, the Museum of World Cultures (formerly the Ethnographic Museum) is one of Poznań’s oldest museum institutions, with roots going back to early 20th-century ethnographic collections. The building itself - once among the most impressive lodge structures in Europe - is surrounded by a small historic park with mature trees and even a 17th-century well, offering a quiet escape from the nearby city centre.

After a long closure and refurbishment, the museum reopened in early 2026 with a completely rethought concept, shifting away from a traditional focus on Polish folk culture toward a broader, more reflective look at global cultures and how we interpret them. Rather than presenting “exotic” artefacts at face value, the new displays explore cultural perception, comparison and exchange, encouraging visitors to question how differences are framed and understood. The redesign also introduces a more contemporary exhibition style with multimedia elements, a striking entrance installation and improved visitor facilities, including educational and relaxation spaces.

The two main permanent exhibitions reflect this new direction. “EXotica?” juxtaposes objects from around the world - including Asia, Africa and the Americas - with those from Poland, revealing unexpected similarities and challenging stereotypes. Meanwhile, “Creations: Folk Costumes Drawn to Measure” showcases reconstructed garments based on pre-war designs, many presented publicly for the first time. Although the museum’s collection spans more than 17,000 objects from over 50 countries, only a small curated selection is on display. Overall the tranquil setting makes it a worthwhile stop, particularly for those interested in how ethnography collections are being reinterpreted from a more global perspective.

Average visiting time: 60mins.

GO TO THE WEBSITE OF THIS BRANCH OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM HERE.