Let me say, we all probably remember the heart-tugging scenes from Steven Spielberg’s iconic film „Schindler’s List,” especially the little girl in the red coat. The film plunged us into the brutal era of World War II, painting a poignant story of the Jews who worked for and were saved by Oskar Schindler from the horrors of Nazi extermination.
Many of us know that the famous Oskar Schindler’s „Emalia” Factory is nestled in Kraków’s Zabłocie district. Still, the Museum, which the factory has now become, sees a higher influx of foreign tourists.
If you’re pondering whether to visit the Schindler Museum in Kraków, this article is set to dissolve your uncertainties.
Inside Oskar Schindler’s „Enamel” Factory
The „Emalia” Factory, standing in Kraków’s Zabłocie district, is a spot worth checking out for anyone with a hint of interest in World War II history.
↳ Make sure to read my guide to the most amazing places to stay in Kraków:
How to Find Best Place to Stay in Krakow Old Town – Your Guide
In 2010, the building, formerly an Enamel Dishes Factory, opened its doors as a Museum. It displayed the captivating exhibition „Kraków Time of Occupation 1939 – 1945”. Armed with well-preserved documents, photos, and firsthand accounts, this exhibition compellingly presents Kraków during World War II.
I am convinced that this unique exhibition brilliantly showcases the different stages of the Nazi occupation in Kraków and the fate of the city’s multicultural inhabitants. The tale of Oskar Schindler, the factory owner who saved over 1,000 Jews, takes center stage. Exhibited photographs bear testimony to Schindler’s cleverness, charisma, and selfless willingness to help others.
The narrative takes us through the war-time experiences of Kraków’s residents, fed on Nazi propaganda, Jews confined in ghettos, and victims of wartime terror. The creators have successfully encapsulated the multifaceted history of Kraków and the lasting legacy of Oskar Schindler.
Who Was Oskar Schindler? – A Brief Insight
Oskar Schindler (1908-1974) was a German entrepreneur and a member of the NSDAP. He holds the remarkable feat of saving about 1,200 Jews by hiring them in his factories, thereby shielding them from the grim living conditions and potential death in Nazi labor camps. One such factory was Emalia, located in Kraków.
Schindler’s bravery and actions were brought to light globally, first through Thomas Keneally’s book „Schindler’s Ark” (which won him the Booker Prize), and then via Spielberg’s film adaptation, „Schindler’s List”. The film was shot at the „Liban” quarry, located on the outskirts of Krakow.
Delving into the History of Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory
The original name, in Polish, is Oskar Schindler’s Factory „Emalia”, while during World War II, it was known by the German name Deutsche Emailwarenfabrik (DEF).
Initially, the factory manufactured and enameled various objects (hence its name); later, Schindler shifted towards producing ammunition for the Germans. This change made the factory crucial to the war effort.
Schindler intentionally employed Jewish workers, protecting them by asserting that they were indispensable for the factory’s functioning due to their skills. He warned that any harm to them would result in him demanding compensation from the German government.
In his words, Schindler explained his decision to hire Jews:
I hated the brutality, sadism, and madness of Nazism. I just couldn’t stand by and watch. I did what I could, what I had to do, what my conscience told me to do.
After the Kraków ghetto was liquidated in 1942, Jews were moved to the Płaszów labor camp. Schindler again demonstrated his skills, bribing Nazis to transfer Jewish workers to a sub-camp near the factory, safeguarding them from harassment and cruelty.
From 1948 to 2002, the buildings were occupied by the telecommunications equipment company: Krakowskie Zakłady Elektroniczne Unitra-Telpod.
Presently, Oskar Schindler’s Factory houses two museums: MOCAK, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Schindler Museum. If you want to dive deeper into history, these museums are a must-visit.
Here is a table with some data regarding the history of Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory in Krakow:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1939 | Oskar Schindler, a Sudeten German and member of the Nazi Party, arrived in Krakow and took over a German kitchenware shop on ul. Lipowa. |
| 1940 | Schindler secured the lease of a formrly Jewish-owned enamelware factory and renamed it Deutsche Emaillewaren-Fabrik Oskar Schindler (known as Emalia). |
| 1942 | Nearly half of the workers at the expanded Emalia plant were Jewish. |
| 1944 | Schindler successfully petitioned to have his factory moved to Brnĕnec (Brünnlitz) in the Sudetenland, close to his hometown, after it was decommissioned. |
| 1948-2002 | The buildings were utilized by a company producing telecommunications equipment, called Krakowskie Zakłady Elektroniczne Unitra-Telpod (later: Telpod S.A.). |
| 2010 | Schindler’s Factory opened as a museum dedicated to telling the story of Krakow under Nazi occupation. |
The Current Echoes of Schindler’s Factory – An Experience Worth Having
One of the prime reasons that makes the museum a must-visit is its unique presentation of the history of Jews in Nazi-occupied Krakow. The museum magically transports its visitors back in time. The exhibition is architecturally designed to emulate the confines of the ghetto, with a narrow, winding corridor leading to various rooms. Each room is meticulously curated to mirror specific places – a particular street, a hairdresser’s salon, a labor camp, a railway station, among many others (45 in total).
Moving from one room to the next, visitors can conjure up the trials and tribulations of the ghetto inhabitants, reflect upon their fates. I believe this is an incredibly engaging way of narrating war stories – it creates an impression that we, as visitors, are partaking in a live stroll through history.
Schindler’s Factory is definitely a museum that invites you to immerse in a history that’s already unfolded. If you decide to visit this magnificent museum, brace yourself for a journey of introspection.
Key Insights into Schindler’s Factory
If you’re planning to visit Schindler’s Factory, there are some critical details you should know. Below, I’ve compiled a short FAQ section to help you understand better what to expect from your visit.
The Ideal Way to Visit Schindler’s Factory?
The simplest and most enriching way is to opt for a guided tour. The guide will untangle all the historical intricacies and share the most poignant anecdotes.
However, if you are the adventurous type who prefers solo exploration, there’s an option for you too. You can purchase a ticket for a self-guided tour of the Enamel Factory. For those keen to delve deeper into history, I would recommend a visit to the Pharmacy under the Eagle as well.
A Peek into the Eagle Pharmacy
The Eagle Pharmacy (Plac Bohaterów Getta 18) houses a collection of Holocaust memorabilia and items related to Tadeusz Pankiewicz – the only Pole who resided in the Kraków Ghetto. Pankiewicz, who received the Righteous Among the Nations honor, dedicated his life to aiding others.
Adjacent to the Pharmacy under the Eagle, you’ll find the Old Synagogue (Szeroka 24), the oldest standing synagogue in Poland (built in the 15th century) and a prominent Jewish landmark.
How to Reach Schindler’s Factory?
Schindler’s Factory is located at ul. Lipowa 4 in Zabłocie in Kraków. If you’re taking public transport, alight at the Plac Bohaterów Getta stop – it’s roughly 550 mters from the Museum itself. So, pack your bags, lace your walking shoes, and be prepared for an unforgettable journey through time.
The Duration of a Visit to Schindler’s Factory
A guided tour at the factory typically lasts around 1.5 hours. However, individual sightseeing time may be longer or shorter, depending entirely upon personal preferences and interests.
Schindler’s Factory Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Please note, the museum is closed on the first Tuesday of every month.
Every Monday, visitors can explore the permanent exhibition at Schindler’s Factory for free. However, the number of free tickets is limited, so it’s advisable to book your ticket in advance directly from the museum’s website.
Important – The last entry is 90 minutes before closing!
Tickets to Schindler’s Factory
Tickets for the Schindler Museum can be purchased directly from our website:
- Entrance ticket for self-guided tour: PLN 42/person
- Entrance ticket for a private guided tour: PLN 281/group
Frequently Asked Questions about Schindler’s Factory
Is Schindler’s Factory suitable for children?
The official museum website advises against visits by children under the age of 14. While the museum is indeed interactive, the narratives unfolded are poignant, revolving around a tragic history that younger viewers might struggle to comprehend.
What happened with Oskar Schindler?
Following the war, Schindler emigrated to Argentina, but later returned to Germany. He frequently visited some of his former employees in Israel. In 1975, he passed away from liver failure and was laid to rest on Mount Zion in Jerusalem (the only NSDAP member to be accorded such an honor).
As for Oskar Schindler, Rena Ferber Finder, a survivor saved by him, had this to say:
“He was a gambler who loved living on the edge. He loved outsmarting the SS. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Oskar Schindler.”
I hope this post inspires you to visit the Schindler Museum. It certainly ranks among the finest museums in Krakow, yet remains largely underrated.
For those who’ve already experienced this remarkable place, we urge you to share your observations and impressions in the comments!
Reference:
- https://discovercracow.com/schindler-factory-krakow/ –
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oskar_Schindler%27s_Enamel_Factory
- https://krakow.wiki/schindlers-factory/
- https://www.schindlers-factory-tickets.com/schindlersfactory-facts/
- https://www.schindlers-factory-tickets.com/schindlers-factory/
- https://whichmuseum.com/museum/oskar-schindler-s-factory-krakow-6899
