The Copper Museum in Legnica presents around 100 new acquisitions that reveal the city's history, industry and culture through objects collected between 2020 and 2025
Every museum collection tells a story, but that story is never complete. New discoveries, donations and acquisitions constantly add new perspectives, helping researchers and visitors understand the past in greater detail.
The exhibition “Uncommon Things. New Items from the Copper Museum from 2020–2025” presents around 100 objects added to the collections of the Copper Museum in Legnica during five years of collecting activity.
Between 2020 and 2025, the museum expanded its holdings by more than 700 inventory items, representing almost 1,500 individual objects. The exhibition offers a selection of these acquisitions, showing how each new addition contributes to the wider history preserved by the museum.
The exhibition will be on display until August 2026.
A Living Collection of Legnica’s History
Museum collections are not simply archives of the past. They are constantly developing, with each acquisition adding another piece to a much larger picture.
The latest additions continue collecting traditions established by previous generations of museum staff, while also opening new areas of research. Together, they reflect the changing interests of historians, researchers and local communities.
The museum’s History Department has strengthened its collection of materials connected with Legnica’s past, including historic photographs, city views, postcards, prints, documents and personal memorabilia belonging to former residents.
Among the new objects are examples connected with local craftsmen, businesses and everyday life, offering a closer look at how people lived and worked in the city over different periods.
Copper Mining, Industry and Regional Identity
As the name suggests, the history of copper is central to the Copper Museum’s work.
The Department of the History of Copper Mining and Metallurgy has expanded its collection with objects documenting the development of copper extraction and processing, both in the region and internationally.
New acquisitions include historical images of mining and smelting, miners’ clothing, working tools, documents connected with social life, minerals and objects related to companies belonging to KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.
These items help preserve the industrial heritage of a region where copper mining has played an important economic and social role for decades.
Rare Coins and Hidden Histories
The museum’s Numismatics Department has also gained significant additions.
The exhibition includes examples from several important acquisitions, including a collection of 33 objects discovered during illegal mining activities in Warmątowice Sienkiewiczowskie, rare coins connected with the Dukes of Legnica from the second half of the 17th century, and Jagiellonian half-grosz coins from the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
Another notable addition is the museum’s first silver Celtic coin, expanding the historical range represented in the collection.
Coins often provide valuable insight into politics, trade and daily life, making them much more than simple objects of monetary exchange.
Art, Craft and Everyday Objects
The museum’s Art Department continues to develop collections connected with copper and copper alloys in art and technology, as well as works by artists linked with Legnica and the surrounding region.
Recent acquisitions include copperplate engravings, paintings, sculptures, jewellery, artistic crafts and historic everyday objects.
Together, these pieces show how copper has existed not only as an industrial material but also as a medium for artistic expression.
Preserving Stories for Future Generations
The exhibition also highlights the importance of donations and cooperation between museums, collectors and private individuals.
Many objects presented were purchased at auctions, acquired from private collections or donated by institutions and supporters of the museum. Each addition strengthens the ability of the Copper Museum to document the history of Legnica and the wider region.
Among the notable library acquisitions is a rare 1782 publication donated by the Mining Institute Foundation operating at KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., expanding the museum’s research resources.
“Uncommon Things” is ultimately an exhibition about how ordinary objects can become historical evidence. Once placed within a museum collection, photographs, tools, coins, documents and everyday items gain new meaning, helping future generations understand the people and places that shaped the region.
Visitor Information
Exhibition: Uncommon Things. New Items from the Copper Museum from 2020–2025
Venue: Copper Museum in Legnica (Muzeum Miedzi w Legnicy) - ul. Partyzantów 3, 59-220 Legnica
On display: Until August 2026
Opening Hours (Summer Season: until September 30th)
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday–Friday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Saturday–Sunday: 11:00 am–5:00 pm
Admission
Regular ticket: PLN 20
Reduced ticket: PLN 10
The ticket allows entry to exhibitions in both museum buildings. Admission is free every Wednesday.
