It was established in 1868, at the initiative of Adrian Baraniecki [pl], a Polish physician and social activist.
The museum was founded with the goal of popularizing technical knowledge and promoting industry.
Its name changed in 1920 to the Museum of Industry and Technology (Muzeum Przemysłu i Techniki), and again in 1934 to the Museum of Industry and Agriculture (Muzeum Przemysłu i Rolnictwa).
The museum's collection included models of machines, tools, and devices used in various industries, as well as products of domestic crafts and folk art.
The building presently serves as the library of the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts ("ASP").