Oskar Schindler's Emalia Factory (Krakow)

Located in an indistinct industrial estate just south of Krakow's Old Town Historical Centre is the recently established museum of Oskar Schindler's Emalia Factory. This evocative attraction was immortalised by the 1993 film 'Schindler's List' and has since seen a steady stream of visitors. As a branch of the City of Krakow Historical Museum, it features a permanent exhibition, temporary displays and a screening room which hosts movies, lectures, meetings, and cultural activities. It is a respectful and enlightening place that offers a telling insight into Oskar Schindler's engaging character and daily life in wartime Poland. It is a fascinating Krakow short break attraction that visitors are unlikely to forget in a hurry.

 

Visitors on city breaks in Krakow can save money by visiting on Mondays when entrance is free, although a personal guided tour in English is well worth the extra pennies. It has a very modern and high tech feel with life-size photo murals, voiceovers, digital displays and multimedia touch screens. There is also a thought provoking sculpture installation entitled the ‘Hall of Choices’ which tries to highlight the ethical dilemmas faced by people such as Oskar Schindler in times of war. It works hard to offer a fully immersive experience into Krakow's darkest days and also focuses on the plight of non-Jews during the Nazi occupation and their subsequent liberation. 

 

The Emalia factory was a safe haven from the destruction around Krakow for over 1,200 of its Jewish workforce and much of the exhibition is taken up with personal stories and evocative artefacts. You can also learn a lot about life in the ghettos and the Polish resistance movement. It all makes for a fascinating history lesson, however there are a few harrowing images. For a more comprehensive insight into wartime in Krakow, combining an Emailia factory visit with a day at nearby Auschwitz will make a Krakow city break truly eye-opening.