Poznań offers several distinctly different ways to enjoy a cultural stay: at Kaiserpanorama, you can view photographs in 3D; the Archdiocesan Museum presents religious art; Genius loci reveals archaeological traces; and the Poznań Croissant Museum & Experience devotes a demonstration to the Rogal świętomarciński. What makes these places interesting is not only the age of the exhibits, but also how they are presented: as a panorama, art collection, archaeological site or live demonstration.

3D photographs and a historical panorama

Poznań Kaiserpanorama lets you view photographs in 3D without modern technology. Its distinctive appeal lies both in the images and in how you view them: the focus is on a three-dimensional view of photographic subjects. Kaiserpanorama itself is more than 100 years old. This creates a distinct focus for a cultural itinerary, combining photographic images with an unusual way of viewing them. Unlike an art collection, the focus here is on photographs and their three-dimensional presentation.

Art and history at the Archdiocesan Museum

The Archdiocesan Museum presents religious art from the Middle Ages to the modern era. It is housed in the former Lubrański Academy building, which dates from the 1520s. The history of the building therefore provides a historical point of reference alongside the collections. The Gothic art collection comprises sculptures and paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries and is considered the most extensive ensemble of its kind in this part of Poland. There are also modern Polish and European paintings, textiles, and silver and gold vessels. The range therefore extends from Gothic art to diverse collections of images and materials. If you want to place art in context by period or material, this collection offers several specific points of comparison rather than focusing on a single group of works.

Archaeological traces at Genius loci

The Genius loci Archaeological Reserve focuses on architectural and archaeological evidence. It contains an original archaeological site. On display are remains of 10th-century timber-and-earth fortifications and Gothic walls from the Bishop’s Quarter. The reserve also exhibits finds excavated on Cathedral Island and in the Śródka district. Its contents can thus be divided into two types of evidence: architectural remains and objects from specific excavation sites. This is a different focus from the Archdiocesan Museum’s art collection, which spans a broad range of periods. Those interested in archaeological traces will find both an original site and finds originating from Cathedral Island and Śródka.

A demonstration devoted to the Rogal świętomarciński

The Poznań Croissant Museum & Experience offers another way to bring a subject to life: a visit includes a live demonstration about the history and taste of the Rogal świętomarciński, or St. Martin’s croissant. Here, the focus shifts from works of art and archaeological traces to a particular pastry and its history. This is the most narrowly focused of the perspectives presented: rather than an era or a collection, the history and taste of this pastry take centre stage.

When choosing between an art-focused and an archaeology-focused visit, perspective is a helpful distinction: the Archdiocesan Museum presents art by period and material, while Genius loci brings architectural remains and finds to light. You can therefore choose between the history of a collection and archaeological evidence, while Kaiserpanorama and the Rogal demonstration each offer a distinct approach to images and culinary history, respectively.

Discover more destinations: Grunwald, Czerwonak, Plewiska, Golęczewo, Dymaczewo Nowe, Luboń, Warthelager Military Training Area, Owińska.

Go to the main travel overview: Poznań.