Międzyzdroje
2 Attractions
Woliński National Park Natural History Museum
● Międzyzdroje
The museum showcases the rich flora and fauna of the national park. The outdoor exhibition is dedicated to interesting bird species and is one of Międzyzdroje’s main attractions. The Wolin National Park Natural History Museum named after Prof. Adam Wodziczko was founded in 1962; it was originally housed in a historic 19th-century white palace and was relocated in 1995 to a modern building with an area of 900 m². The museum showcases collections of the fauna and flora of the Wolin National Park. In 1960, the Scientific Council of the Wolin National Park decided to establish the Natural History Museum. The collection of specimens for the museum began, and in 1961, the first nature exhibition was opened. The exhibition was very well received and was visited by over 3,500 people. In 1962, the exhibition was transformed into the Natural History Museum, which presented several new exhibits and saw a 100% increase in visitors. The museum was enriched with new animal and plant specimens; the constantly expanding collection of exhibits enjoyed great popularity, and by the late 1970s, the museum was visited by approximately 100,000 people per year. In the 1990s, the museum occupied the entire building, with an area of 350 m², and displayed its collections in 8 rooms. In 1995, the museum was relocated to a modern building. The museum’s exhibition occupies 5 halls. Permanent exhibitions showcase the beauty and uniqueness of the park’s natural environment and the richness of its flora and fauna. These include birds of the Swine River delta, forest mammals representative of Wolin’s fauna, and animals from the park’s aquatic ecosystems. At the museum, visitors can learn more about the island’s geological structure and the history of Baltic amber. Of particular note are the large dioramas depicting landscapes characteristic of the park, such as the coast of the Szczecin Lagoon, the seaside cliffs in various seasons, and European bison. The dioramas feature several dozen species of waterfowl, including cormorants, goldeneyes, swans, kingfishers, and great crested grebes. Among the most valuable exhibits are Poland’s largest collection of male Siamese fighting fish in their breeding plumage—numbering about 130 specimens—a specimen of a golden-skinned penguin, a diorama of a white-tailed eagle with chicks, gray seals, bison specimens, and forest mammals. White-tailed eagles are a distinctive symbol of the Wolin National Park. Next to the museum, visitors can admire a pair of these magnificent birds of prey. In addition to white-tailed eagles, the eagle owl—Poland’s largest owl—is also on display. This open-air exhibition is one of Międzyzdroje’s main attractions. The museum also has two modern conference rooms that screen nature films for residents and tourists during the summer. The former museum building houses the Old Museum Gallery, founded in 2005. It features exhibitions on various topics, primarily related to nature and history education as well as artistic creation—photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, and music. The facility is fully accessible to people with disabilities.
Bison Exhibit
● Międzyzdroje
The viewing enclosure, located in Woliński National Park, provides a habitat for up to 20 animals at a time. The enclosure covers 28 ha. Behind the fence are viewing terraces, and the entrance is marked by a magnificent gate. In 1976, the first four bison were brought here from Borki and Białowieża: the cow Pomina, the bull Podskakiewicz, and the two heifers Pompeja and Podwyżka. Most of the bison living in the enclosure today were born here. One or two calves are born here every year. Throughout its history, the reserve’s population has ranged from 5 to 12 bison. Today, five bison live here: Poznaniak II, Polikosia, Posawa, Pozowa, and Polanin II. Although the enclosure was established primarily to conserve the bison species, it also cares for sick animals or those raised by humans that are unable to survive in their natural habitat. These include, among others, wild boars, deer, and white-tailed eagles. The enclosure features seating areas, tables, a gazebo for dining and relaxing, viewing terraces, and restrooms. The national park is accessible to people with disabilities.