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What is Schindler’s Factory?
History of Schindler’s Factory
Schindler’s Factory in Krakow was originally established in 1937 by three Jewish entrepreneurs: Michał Gutman, Izrael Kahn, and Wolf Luzer Glajtman. They leased production halls and acquired a plot on Lipowa Street for their base. They expanded the factory by adding sections for metal sheet production. However, the business faced difficulties, which led to changes in ownership. Eventually, the factory applied for insolvency in June 1939. Later, Oskar Schindler took over the factory and transformed it during World War II by employing Jewish workers and saving many lives. Thus, the establishment of Oskar Schindler factory marked a significant chapter in the industrial and wartime history of Krakow.
Also Read: Schindler's Factory Facts
During World War II, Schindler’s Factory transformed the ownership of Oskar Schindler. Initially, he hired Jewish workers for economic reasons while taking advantage of lower recruitment costs. However, he soon realised his duty to help Jews during the war. To protect them, he started producing ammunition shells in the factory to save his workers from concentration camps. Schindler ensured better living conditions for his employees by providing them with larger food portions and opening a sub-camp within the factory premises. As the eastern front approached Kraków, he evacuated the factory and its workers to Brünnlitz, Czech Republic, and them from further persecution. While taking the Schindler’s Factory tour, you can learn about the heroic efforts of Schindler to protect Jewish lives during the Holocaust.
Checkout: Plan Your Visit to Schindler’s Factory
After World War II, the buildings of Schindler’s Factory were repurposed to produce telecommunications equipment for about 50 years. However, they were later reopened to the public as Schindler's Factory Museum. The museum now houses two important exhibitions that offer insights into life in Krakow during the Nazi occupation. The main exhibition vividly depicts the histories of the wartime inhabitants of Krakow, from the events of 1939 to daily life under occupation. Through archival documents, radio and film recordings, photos, and artefacts, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of this disturbing yet heart-touching period in history.
Schindler’s Factory Highlights
At Oskar Schindler factory, you will find fascinating exhibitions that bring history to life. The permanent exhibition, “Kraków under Nazi Occupation 1939–1945," delves into the past of the city during World War II. It showcases everyday items, newspapers, and personal documents that offer insight into life during the Nazi occupation. Spread over three floors, this exhibit spans 45 rooms to provide a comprehensive view of the wartime experiences of Krakow. Moreover, temporary exhibitions in Schindler’s Factory shed light on the stories of the Polish and Jewish citizens of the city during this disturbing period. Thus, the exhibition displays in the museum offer a touching and immersive journey through the history of Krakow.
The Schindler’s Factory in Krakow hosts a variety of events to deepen the understanding of the history of the city during World War II. These regular curated tours of the exhibitions offer insights into the impact and futility of the war. Some events also focus on lighter topics, like the history of clothing and fashion in the 1930s, that reflect social and economic changes. All the events in the Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory provide engaging ways to learn and reflect on the past, thereby making your visit to the attraction both educational and enjoyable.
Schindler’s Factory offers educational activities to help children of all ages learn about the history of Krakow during World War II. These activities allow you to explore exhibitions that showcase artefacts, photos, and documents from the time of the capture of Krakow during the war. You will also learn about daily life under Nazi occupation and the heroic actions of Oscar Schindler, who saved 1,000 Jewish lives. During the Schindler’s Factory tour, interactive exhibits also engage students to foster a deep understanding of the turmoil that Krakow went through during the war. Additionally, online talks provide remote learning opportunities for those unable to visit the attraction in person.
FAQs for Schindler's Factory
What is Schindler’s Factory?
Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory is a museum in Krakow, Poland that was once a place where over 1,000 Jewish people worked during World War II. This museum showcases how Krakow was during the time of war. You will see exhibits about Polish and Jewish life in the museum, and how Nazis changed the history of the city. The centrepiece of the museum is a sculpture called Survivors’ Ark, which is made from pots created in the factory.
Is Schindler’s Factory open to the public now?
Yes, Schindler’s Factory has been open to the public since 26 June 2021. You can take a tour of the attraction to learn about Krakow during World War II and see how Oskar Schindler helped save over 1,000 Jews. The museum offers exhibits about the history of the city and the heroic actions of Schindler.
Do I need tickets to enter Schindler's Factory?
Yes, you need tickets to enter Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory. Moreover, it is best to buy your tickets at least 4 days before you visit the attraction. Through these tickets, you can take a 1.5-hour guided tour of the Schindler’s Factory to learn about the events in Krakow during World War II. You can also see the efforts of Oscar Schindler to save Jews and visit spots from the movie, “Schindler’s List”.
Where can I buy tickets for Schindler’s Factory?
You can buy tickets for Schindler’s Factory in Krakow online at least 4 days before your visit. Since the museum is a popular tourist attraction, tickets get sold out relatively fast. Pre-booking tickets online helps you avoid long lines and guarantees your entry despite the crowds. It is also a safe way to make contactless transactions and enjoy the attractive deals that come along with the online booking facility.
Why is Schindler’s Factory important?
Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory is important because it shows the history of Krakow during World War II. It is now a museum that tells the story of how Oscar Schindler saved 1,000 Jews by giving them jobs in his factory. The museum helps people learn about the wartime experiences and the impact of the Holocaust. Thus, the Schindlers factory Krakow is a symbol of bravery and hope during a very dark time in history.
Why should I visit Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory?
You should visit Schindler’s Factory because it is a museum that shows what life was like in Krakow during the Nazi occupation. The exhibits recreate places like a hairdresser’s salon, a railway station, and a labour camp. You can see the desk of Oscar Schindler and a list of the Jews he saved. The museum offers a powerful and immersive history that helps you understand this important part of history.
Is Schindler’s Factory worth visiting?
Yes, Schindler’s Factory Museum is absolutely worth visiting as it is now a museum that shows the maritime experiences in Krakow during World War II. The exhibits in the museum recreate different places in the city during the Nazi occupation. You can also witness the desk of Oscar Schindler and the list of Jews he saved in the museum.
When was Schindler’s Factory built?
Schindler’s Factory was built in 1937 in Krakow, Poland. It was originally established by three Jewish entrepreneurs: Michał Gutman, Izrael Kahn, and Wolf Luzer Glajtman. They leased production halls and acquired a plot on Lipowa Street. Later, Oskar Schindler took over the factory during World War II. Today, Schindler's Factory is a museum that shows the wartime experiences and how Schindler saved many Jewish lives.
Who founded/created the Schindler’s Factory?
Schindler’s Factory was founded by three Jewish entrepreneurs: Michał Gutman, Izrael Kahn, and Wolf Luzer Glajtman. They established the factory in 1937 by leasing production halls and acquiring a plot on Lipowa Street in Krakow, Poland. Later, Oskar Schindler took over the factory during World War II. Schindler used it to save many Jewish lives by employing them and protecting them from being sent to concentration camps.
Why was Schindler’s Factory built?
Schindler’s Factory was originally built as a metal tin factory by three Jewish entrepreneurs: Michał Gutman, Izrael Kahn, and Wolf Luzer Glajtman. When Oskar Schindler took over, he used the factory to produce ammunition shells. This helped him employ over 1,000 Jewish people, saving them from being sent to concentration camps. Later, Schindler's Factory became a place of refuge during World War II, protecting its workers from the horrors of the Holocaust.
What is Schindlers factory Krakow used for today?
The buildings of Schindlers factory Krakow were used to produce telecommunications equipment for about 50 years after World War II. Now, the factory has reopened as a museum to educate people about the experiences of people in Krakow during the war. It also shows how Oscar Schindler saved the lives of about 1,000 Jews by employing them and protecting them from the effects of the Holocaust.
Where is the Schindler’s Factory located?
Schindler’s Factory is located at Lipowa 4, in Kraków, Poland. The nearest landmark to the museum is the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow. You can easily access this attraction via a tram from Limanowskiego, Bohaterow Getta, and Zablocie.
What can I see inside Schindlers factory Krakow?
You can explore two museums inside Schindlers factory Krakow that showcase life in Krakow during the Nazi occupation. The exhibits in these museums recreate different places like a hairdresser's salon, a railway station, and a labour camp. Each room is designed to look like specific streets in Krakow. You can stroll through the museum and learn about this history at your own pace. Moreover, you can witness Schindler’s desk and a list of the Jews he saved.
Are guided tours available for the Schindler’s Factory?
Yes, guided tours are available to explore the wartime life of Jews in Krakow in the Schindler’s Factory from 1939 to 1945. You can enjoy an in-depth journey to the history of the city, where expert guides will share historical facts and insights during the Schindler’s Factory tour. These tours are available in different languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish.
How do I skip the lines at Schindler’s Factory?
To skip the lines at Schindler’s Factory, you are required to book your tickets in advance. It is advisable to pre-book your tickets at least 4 days before the day of your visit. This ticket allows you to skip the long lines at the ticket counter and get direct and guaranteed access to the attraction.
Is Schindler’s Factory wheelchair friendly?
Yes, Schindler’s Factory is wheelchair friendly. The elevators are also available for easy movement between floors of the museum. These elevators are equipped with braille buttons so that everyone, including those with disabilities, can comfortably enjoy their visit to Schindler’s Factory.
How big is Oskar Schindler factory?
Oskar Schindler factory is quite large, covering an area of about 40,000 square metres. It now holds two historical museums where you can learn about the wartime experiences in Krakow during World War II. With its spacious layout, there is plenty of room to explore and discover the exhibits inside the factory.
How to get to schindler's factory from old town?
To get to Schindler's Factory from Kraków's Old Town, you can take the tram. Walk to the "Teatr Bagatela" tram stop and board Tram Number 20 towards "Mały Płaszów." Get off at the "Plac Bohaterów Getta" stop. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the factory. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or walk the entire way, which takes around 30 minutes.