Pink museum buildings in Bystrzyca Kłodzka, including the tall windows of the former Protestant church. Photo: Muzeum Filumenistyczne.

Bystrzyca Kłodzka, dolnośląskie

Muzeum Filumenistyczne w Bystrzycy Kłodzkiej

Matchbox labels, lighters and strikers in a former Protestant church. The museum connects the history of fire-lighting with the story of Bystrzyca Kłodzka.

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From the museum’s origins to collectors’ passion

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About

Muzeum Filumenistyczne w Bystrzycy Kłodzkiej

A matchbox, a pocket lighter, a metal striker: in Bystrzyca Kłodzka, these objects form a collection devoted to the history of fire-lighting. The Philumenic Museum also collects labels and packaging that preserve advertisements, illustrations and slogans from different countries.

The institution opened on 19 July 1964, following an initiative by residents, supporters of the town and representatives of the match factory. A former Protestant church became its home; the museum also occupies the former parish school. The town’s industrial tradition meets the history of everyday tools and commercial graphics.

The lighters include examples made from cartridge cases and designs resembling other objects. The labels are complemented by the “Enchanted World of Matches” gallery, which promotes historic buildings through packaging designs. Another strand explores Bystrzyca’s own past: the “Faces of the Town” exhibition includes a medieval town register recording decisions by its municipal authorities.

Gallery

Philumenic Museum — permanent exhibition hall

Venue news

Opening hours

Summer season (July-August)

July 1 – August 31

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 09:00–17:00
Wednesday: 09:00–17:00
Thursday: 09:00–17:00
Friday: 09:00–17:00
Saturday: 09:00–17:00
Sunday: 10:00–16:00

September-June

September 1 – June 30

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 08:00–16:00
Wednesday: 08:00–16:00
Thursday: 08:00–16:00
Friday: 08:00–16:00
Saturday: 08:00–16:00
Sunday: 10:00–15:00

Hours shown are for the September-June season. In July and August the museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Closed on Mondays year-round. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. Groups over 20 people can arrange individual visiting times (by phone or email).

Tickets

Admission tickets

Regular ticket: PLN 23.00
Reduced ticket: PLN 18.00
Family ticket: PLN 75.00

Lessons, workshops, and guided tours

Museum lesson or workshop: PLN 12.00
Lesson “A Walk Around Bystrzyca Kłodzka”: PLN 250.00
Guided tour of the building and exhibitions for a group: PLN 80.00

Tuesday free admission covers “Matchbox Stories”, the “Enchanted World of Matches” gallery, the A. Mleczko drawings exhibition and “Bystrzyca Kłodzka: Faces of the Town”. Other exhibitions require a ticket. The National Philumeny Fair, held on the first Saturday of October, has free admission. Reservations: contact the museum by telephone or email.

Routes (1)

Thematic routeFrom the museum’s origins to collectors’ passionThe route leads from the museum’s origins and building history, through the main permanent exhibition, to the town context and the museum’s annual collectors’ event.Start the walk

Exhibitions (1)

Permanent exhibitionMatchbox StoriesMatchbox labels and lighters reveal different uses for objects associated with fire.

Exhibits and points (7)

The National Philumeny FairAn annual gathering for collectors of matchbox labels and packaging. It is a calendar event, not a daily exhibition.
Bystrzyca Kłodzka: Faces of the TownPaintings, photographs and a medieval town register present Bystrzyca’s history alongside its industrial traditions.
The lighter collectionPocket lighters, table lighters and examples made from cartridge cases reveal different ways of producing a flame and the ingenuity of their makers.
How the museum beganLocal residents, supporters of the town and the match factory joined forces to create a museum devoted to fire-lighting.
The “Enchanted World of Matches” galleryThe gallery connects packaging design with the promotion of historic buildings. It was developed with match manufacturers.
The former Protestant churchThe former church retains a façade designed to fit the townscape and an undivided interior.
The matchbox label collectionSmall packages carried advertising, slogans and decorative designs. The collection includes labels from many countries.
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