Multimedia Exhibition of OMPiO
The exhibition tells the story of the fight for freedom from the late 18th century to the post-war years. It focuses on the people of the Świętokrzyskie region, whose lives were closely intertwined with the history of Poland and with the walls of this prison.
Once a place of repression, the former prison is now a space of remembrance and reflection. The exhibition makes use of light, sound, archival materials, reconstructions and original artefacts.
The Library — The Beginning of the Story
The first part of the exhibition introduces visitors to the 19th-century struggle for independence. In a space styled as a historical library, visitors can explore the national uprisings, the fate of Siberian exiles and figures connected with the Kielce region.
This section covers events from the Constitution of 3 May and the Kościuszko Uprising to the January Uprising. It also presents the development of industry in the region and highlights figures such as Stefan Żeromski and Stanisław Staszic.
The narrative continues through the First World War and Poland’s regaining of independence in 1918, including the activities of Józef Piłsudski and the Polish Legions.
The Second World War — Life Under Occupation
This part presents the experience of Kielce and its inhabitants during the German occupation. Visitors learn about daily life under wartime conditions, underground education, resistance activities and the independence movement.
Particular attention is given to the Holocaust of the Jewish community of Kielce and to those who risked their lives to save Jews. Multimedia presentations and authentic documents help convey the dramatic reality of the time.
The Communist Period — Resistance and Memory
The exhibition then explores the post-war years, from the takeover of the prison by the communist security apparatus to the period of the Polish People’s Republic.
Everyday objects, opposition materials and archival documents illustrate social resistance to the communist system. This section also recalls the 1945 prison liberation operation.
Cells and Basement Chambers — A Space of Remembrance
The most moving part of the exhibition is located in the authentic basement cells and punishment chambers of the former prison.
This space is dedicated to the victims of German and communist repression between 1939 and 1956. Testimonies, artefacts and multimedia installations present the stories of prisoners and members of the underground resistance.
It is a place of reflection on the cost of freedom.
VISITING
Opening Hours
Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday: closed
Last admission for groups: 3:45 pm
Last admission for individual visitors: 4:15 pm
The exhibition is closed on public holidays, including:
New Year’s Day, Epiphany, Easter, Corpus Christi, All Saints’ Day and Christmas Day.
Admission Prices
Standard ticket – PLN 10
Reduced ticket – PLN 5
Family ticket – PLN 15
Workshop ticket – PLN 10
Guide service for individual visitors – PLN 20
Tickets are available at the reception desk.