Central POW Museum

We are researchers, archivists and educators dedicated to studying German and Soviet prisoner-of-war systems as well as collecting POW artifacts from #WW2

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

There’s still time to visit “The Essence of Things”, our temporary exhibition in Łambinowice. Photographs, letters, jewellery crafted from tin cans and artefacts uncovered during archaeological excavations reveal how ordinary objects can preserve extraordinary human stories.

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

The first Open Days of the archaeological excavations at the Old Prisoner-of-War Cemetery in Łambinowice are now behind us. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the work of archaeologists, and the research has already yielded its first discoveries. 📸 More updates soon!

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

A great photograph does more than document—it tells a story and can become an object of research itself. These were the themes of the Łambinowice Museum Meeting with photographer Daniel Frymark and Dr. Dawid Kobiałka. Thank you for joining us!
#ForestOfTheDead #Archaeology

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

End of the school year! 🎓A big thank you to all the students and teachers for joining our museum lessons with openness, engaging in inspiring discussions, and reflecting on the value of freedom. We wish you a wonderful summer holiday! See you in September! ☀️📚

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

Missed our photography workshop during the Book Festival? No worries! 📸 Join us on June 26 for a free cyanotype workshop inspired by the photographs of Second Lieutenant Stanisław Andres. Sessions start at 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Registration: [phone]. #CultureNight

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

The team of archaeologists working on the project “Forest of the Dead? Searching for the Graves of Prisoners of War...” will soon return to the Site of Remembrance in Łambinowice.

Useful dates:
📅 Meetings with archaeologists: 1 and 22 July
📅 Open weekends: 4–5 and 11–12 July

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

Another act of vandalism has occurred at the “Site with a Scar” exhibition on the former Stalag 344 #Lamsdorf site. Part of the timeline display presenting the history of the camps was destroyed. If anyone saw anything or has any information, please contact us.

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

“He had his mouth tied with a white band… And then came the volley” — this is how Fr. Jan Stępień recalled 25 May 1948, the day of the death of Witold Pilecki. In Piotr Stanek’s book, we discover lesser-known chapters of Pilecki’s life — from his youth to Stalag 344 #Lamsdorf.

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

“Your godson in captivity” — this is how #POWs addressed the “godmothers” who supported them spiritually and materially. Among them was Marta Zawiła-Niedźwiecka, who began helping at just 13 years old.

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

Emotions, sport and remembrance. On Saturday, the 1st Freedom Run in the Footsteps of #POWs took place in front of the #Museum in Łambinowice. The route led through the National Memorial Site, combining the celebration of running with reflection on history.

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

On the night of June 19/20, 1940, over 12,000 Polish soldiers crossed into Switzerland, leaving behind the defeat of France. Interned in 1217 camps, they worked on roads and bridges, often sending their earnings to occupied Poland. Their trace is still there.

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

Calling all culture lovers! Long Night of Museums is coming!

Join us on May 16th at #CMJW in Opole for a unique evening filled with attractions inspired by Jan Marcin Szancer, the theatre, and... the radio.

Stay tuned for more details!

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

In Łambinowice, we recently hosted Stephen Frain from the north of Great Britain, the grandson of a #WWI #POW. His grandfather, Thomas, was taken to #Lamsdorf in 1918. This visit is a reminder: the past endures as long as someone is willing to ask about it.

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

On April 17, the 33rd Poetry Recitation Contest “Let Us Not Forget” will take place at the Museum in Łambinowice. 77 students from the Opole region will participate. 🚌 Departure from Opole at 7:45 (Toropol), return at 15:00.
❗️The museum will be closed on this day❗️

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

For fans of powerful documentaries 🎬 #Santino – a story more moving than many feature films. About discoveries, memory, and people with big hearts. Highly recommended!

Link: https://t.co/IvVfEOMg7k

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

Historical calendar: 24/25 March 1944, 76 prisoners escaped from Stalag Luft III #Sagan in the #GreatEscape. The #Harry tunnel (111 m) turned out to be too short—it ended before the forest. Only 3 gained freedom; the rest were captured. 50 were executed on Hitler’s orders.

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

Each speaker at the ceremony commemorating the victims of Stalag 344 #Lamsdorf referred to contemporary times. Let us recall the words from the interfaith prayer: “Let us not ask where God was. Let us ask: where was man?” (M. Czachorowski).

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

We may not have a carpet of crocuses like in Chochołowska Valley, but at the Łambinowice Memorial nature is right at your fingertips. It’s about 35 km by bike from Opole, and you can return by train after 4:00 PM. Great history and a moment for reflection await. You’re welcome!

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

We are counting down the days to the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Stalag 344 #Lamsdorf. If you would like to travel with us from Opole to Łambinowice on March 17, you can still sign up for the bus list today. Departure at 11:00. Return to Opole around 15:00.

[Central POW Museum @POW_Central]

New arrivals in our museum shop! 🛍️The 2026 calendar, #KUKNIJ caps, mugs with slogans drawn from POW stories, notebooks, and “Museum” bars. To keep things tidy — a short reminder reel 🎥 Watch it and feel invited to shop with us, in person or online!