Bielsko-Biała Museum and Castle

The older Biała Municipal Museum was set up upon the initiative of Bielsko Gymnasium (lower secondary school) teacher Erwin Hanslik by virtue of the City Council Resolution of 19 December 1902.

At the same time, in a forum of the City Council of neighbouring Bielsko, similar initiative was taken by Arthur Schmidt, a protestant vicar of that town.

[2] Towering in the Bielsko-Biała city centre, the Castle is the oldest and largest construction of historical importance, erected in the old town of Bielsko.

The Opole Prince, Casimir (1229/30) of the Piasts is said to have conquered that fortalice, wiped out the robbers and had the hunting palace erected in that place, which over the years grew into a magnificent castle around which the city of Bielsko developed.

It is a city castle in its nature, incorporated into the system of Bielsko fortifications from the beginning, at the same time providing their strongest section.

The present appearance of the castle dates back to the last, thorough reconstruction undertaken in the second half of the 19th century, which entirely wiped out its previous characteristics of style.

From 1572 it was the administrative and commercial centre of the independent class-based Bielsko state, governed by representatives of nobleman's families of the Promnitzes, Schaffgotsches, Sunneghs, Solmses and Haugwitzes.

After World War II the Castle was taken over by the Polish State as the property left by the Germans and was facilitated as the seat of many cultural institutions.

Following rooms located in the north wing display an exhibition devoted to the history of the city and Castle, as well as craftsman traditions of old Bielsko and Biała.

[3] The Museum preserves traditions of the wool industry in Bielsko-Biała, by means of collecting machines, equipment and documents related to this field of manufacturing.

The exhibition presents oil paintings and watercolours: self-portraits, portraits of his family and friends, landscapes from his numerous travels and hunting-related works.

The exhibition is enriched with archival material devoted to the life artistic output and social activities for the benefits of society.

Exhibits include School Certificates, photographs of Fałat with his family and friends, diplomas, honorary mentions, distinctions, letters and souvenirs related to his travels around the world.