The Celestat. the history of Kraków's Marksmen's Guild and the city defence
We would like to inform that Celestat is closed. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The Celeste branch of The Historical Museum of the City of Kraków and its permanent exhibition The history of Kraków's Marksmanship Guild is a unique exposition in Europe. The one located in former abode is one of the oldest polish marksmanship guilds. The guild has been continuing its tradition for seven centuries. Rifle keepsakes on display were handed over after guild ceased to exist in 1951. The artifacts were assembled in The Historical Museum of the City of Kraków. In 1952 a separate collection was created which is being expanded with new gifts and acquisitions. It is worth to mention that despite great popularity of marksmanship guilds in Poland, many keepsakes gathered by them got scattered or vanished, whiles Kraków' s Marksmen Guild Collection is preserved intact. In 1998 the collection was further supplemented by the great set of keepsakes-a gift of European Marksmanship Guilds Federation Presidium (EGS), which Museum of History in Kraków is part of. This is the only scientific and exhibition institution in Europe interested history and habits of marksman guilds not only in Poland but for the rest of Europe as well. The main part of gathered exhibits is Kraków Marksmen Guild Collection. It was created when rifle keepsakes were given to Museum of History and now is updated and extended. It consists of: Kraków Marksmen Kings painting gallery (since 1834), Rifle Fellowship authority insignia (sceptre, mace) with most valuable-cymelia, a symbol of Marksmen King; big set of medallions, hunting trophies impressive - documenting important events, and numerous photographs. Those are constantly being expanded by gifts and purchases. Either historic exhibits or present objects (e.g. Monument of Jan Pawel II, raised in Rifle Garden, 2000) The exhibition The History of Kraków Marksmen's Guild and the city defence is shown in 4, conventionally named rooms. Armoury Here is exposed old weapon collection from Military Collection of Museum of History, used in past centuries by city defenders. One of the oldest and last Kraków's View surrounded by city walls, guarded by Marksmen Guild. It is completed by icons presenting old city defences. Vault Here were found fragments of old guild tableware, cups, medallions, chests, documents and precious artistic craft. Among them, tea set of silver an ivory, a Franz Joseph I gift for Kraków's Guild. Rifle room It recalls 19th rifle room, frieze of Kraków Marksmen Kings portraits, cymelia in the centre piece. Next to it abdication gifts of "bird Kings", sceptres and maces. Exhibits in glass-cases present Guild's history from Polish Uprisings to WWII. Fellowship Room First in order, last in the chronology. Presents brotherhood and newest history, after WW II. This room is being changed as Guild evaluates. Temporary exhibitions are set here. Back |
