Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

Overview

Former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp

When going to Krakow, it is worth visiting Oświęcim to pay a visit to the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial and Museum. The Auschwitz camp was the largest center for the mass extermination of European Jews and at the same time the largest concentration camp for prisoners of various nationalities. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, it is not only a testimony of history, but also a symbol of war, terror, genocide and the Holocaust.

The shocking history of Auschwitz
The Nazi concentration and extermination camp was built by the Germans during World War II in Oświęcim, located approximately 70 km away from Kraków. Originally established as a labor camp for political prisoners, it soon became an extermination camp, the largest murder place of Jews, Poles, Gypsies and many other nationalities in terms of the number of victims. It is estimated that at Auschwitz-Birkenau, over 1.1 million men, women and children lost their lives.

A place of homage and remembrance of a cruel story
The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Oświęcim, together with the Memorial Site, covers the area of ​​two preserved parts, the main camp Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau, three kilometers away. Within the boundaries of Auschwitz, the original and partially reconstructed railway sidings and ramps, gas chambers, prisoners' barracks and fences have been preserved. In the museal part, there are historical exhibits - photograps and documents, prisoners 'clothes and private belongings taken from prisoners, as well as barracks' equipment. The cinema located at the main entrance to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum shows films about the history of the camp, including a 15-minute documentary showing the first moments after the liberation of the camp.
When planning a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, it is worth taking into account that for many people it can be a difficult experience. However, it is one of those places that should be seen at least once in a lifetime in order to understand the history of the modern world and to shape the individual and collective memory of Auschwitz. Due to the great interest of the Museum in Oświęcim by tourists, the visit should be planned well in advance. The best before coming to Krakow.
 

Contact

Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum
20 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street
32-603 Oświęcim
+48 33 844 8000
www.auschwitz.org

Location

FAQ

Within the boundaries of Auschwitz, the original and partially reconstructed railway sidings and ramps, gas chambers, prisoners' barracks and fences have been preserved. In the museal part, there are historical exhibits - photograps and documents, prisoners 'clothes and private belongings taken from prisoners, as well as barracks' equipment. The cinema located at the main entrance to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum shows films about the history of the camp, including a 15-minute documentary showing the first moments after the liberation of the camp
 

You should allocate a minimum of 1.5 hours for visiting Auschwitz and the same amount for visiting Birkenau.

Yes, but remember that the maximum size of luggage or items allowed on the premises of the Museum is 30x20x10 cm. Moreover, the museum reserves the right to carry out checks on persons entering the museum (including, inter alia, the use of electronic devices to detect hazardous materials and objects). People who refuse to inspect them will not be allowed to enter the Museum.

When visiting a memorial site, it is best to dress appropriately for the solemnity of the place. Remember that you will be walking through a place where nearly one million people lost their lives. 

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