Step into a place where history, courage, and human dignity intersect at the former Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory — one of Kraków’s most powerful and thought‑provoking museums. Located in the Zabłocie district, this unassuming industrial building once produced everyday kitchenware. During World War II, it became the workplace and sanctuary of Oskar Schindler, a German entrepreneur who defied Nazi persecution to protect his Jewish workers. Today the site houses a compelling museum that tells not only the story of Schindler himself, but also the broader experience of Kraków’s inhabitants during the German occupation.

Opened as a museum in 2010, the former administrative building of the enamel factory now houses the permanent exhibition “Kraków under Nazi Occupation 1939–1945”. Through documents, photos, personal recollections, and multimedia displays, visitors experience life in Kraków during the war — from daily routines under oppression to acts of resistance and survival.

A factory with a human story

Originally constructed in the late 1930s as the First Małopolska Factory of Enamel Vessels and Tinware, the company was acquired in 1939 by Oskar Schindler, who renamed it Deutsche Emailwarenfabrik (DEF). While the factory produced enamelware and later items for the war effort, Schindler made a moral choice: he employed Jewish workers from the Kraków Ghetto and protected them from deportation and certain death. His efforts ultimately contributed to saving about 1,100 Jews, immortalized in both history and film.

Walking through the museum, you’ll encounter immersive spaces that reconstruct aspects of life under occupation — from scenes of the Kraków Ghetto to intimate depictions of everyday routines — creating a narrative that is both educational and deeply human.

What to see

Permanent Exhibition – Kraków under Nazi Occupation — a comprehensive multimedia presentation of the city and its people during World War II. Schindler’s Office — preserved to resemble its wartime appearance, offering a glimpse into the life and decisions of the factory’s owner. Ghetto and War Context — exhibits that document the establishment and liquidation of the Kraków Ghetto and the plight of its residents. Interactive Displays and Artifacts — personal objects, documents, and testimonies that bring individual stories to life.

Did you know?

• Before Schindler’s ownership, the factory was founded in 1937 by Jewish entrepreneurs producing enamel and metalware.
• Oskar Schindler was recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem for saving Jewish lives.
• The museum is one of Kraków’s most visited cultural sites, and many visitors find it emotionally powerful and reflective.

Useful information for visitors

Location: ul. Lipowa 4, Zabłocie, Kraków — in the city’s cultural quarter. Access: easily reached on foot from Kazimierz or by tram and bus; parking nearby.

Opening hours: check current schedules online, with varying times by season. Some Mondays may offer free admission, but booking ahead is strongly recommended due to high demand. Visit length: typical tours take 1.5–2 hours depending on your pace.

Why visit Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory?

This museum is more than an historical stop — it is a deep and personal encounter with history. Through engaging storytelling and powerful exhibits, it presents the reality of life under occupation and the extraordinary choices made by individuals like Schindler in a time of profound crisis. Whether you come for education, reflection, or to understand the context behind a world‑renowned story, this museum is a moving and essential part of any visit to Kraków.