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Ultimate Guide to Schindler's Factory | Erstwhile Metal Factory in Wartime Krakow
Oskar Schindler’s factory in Krakow, Poland, is a poignant museum commemorating the Holocaust. An enamelware and munitions plant during World War II, today it showcases Schindler’s efforts to save 1,200 Jews and offers visitors a sobering yet enli...
Founded On
1937
Oskar Schindler's Factory ToursAbout Schindler's Factory
Quick information
RECOMMENDED DURATION
2 hours
Timings
9 AM - 8 PM
TICKETS
From zł 68
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Fun facts
The factory that became known as Oskar Schindler’s factory originally belonged to three Jewish-Polish businessmen. Schindler gained ownership of the plant as part of Nazi policy that seized Jewish property and transferred its ownership to non-Jews.
Originally an enamelware factory, Schindler started producing ammunition shells during World War II to ensure it remained essential to war efforts, allowing him to continue employing and rescuing Jews.
In 1945, Schindler successfully established a sub-camp of Plaszow concentration camp within the factory’s premises, based on the argument that it would save the workers’ time spent walking the 10 kilometres from the camp to the factory and increase the factory’s output.
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Schindler’s Factory overview
What is Schindler’s Factory?
Schindler’s Factory was established by three Jewish entrepreneurs: Michał Gutman, Izrael Kahn, and Wolf Luzer Glajtman. After leasing the production halls from the factory they were able to acquire a plot that would become their future base.
The factory changed ownership multiple times before it finally fell into the hands of Oskar Schindler. The Polish name is Fabryka Emalia Oskara Schindlera, but the German name was Oskar Schindler's Deutsche Emailwarenfabrik (DEF). By also producing ammunition shells, Schindler’s factory was classified as an essential part of the war effort, enabling him to build a subcamp of the Płaszów forced labor camp within the premises. Here, the Jews in his employ had little to scarce contact with the camp guards.
Although Schindler was initially driven by economic reasons in hiring more Jews each year, his actions had a direct impact on increasing the number of Jewish workers who were saved, from over 150 Jewish employees in 1940 to around 1100 of them in 1944.
History of Schindler’s Factory
Establishment of the factory
Schindler’s Factory during World War II
Post-war
Origins of the factory
Originally established by three Jewish entrepreneurs by the names of Michał Gutman, Izrael Kahn, and Wolf Luzer Glajtman, Schindler’s Factory has had a complex past of ownership before finally being acquired by Oskar Schindler. The first 3 Jewish entrepreneurs had leased the production halls from the factory which enabled them to acquire a plot on Lipowa street for their future base.
New additions and unsuccessful business at the factory
Afterward, they built a series of new sections for the production of metal sheets – including the stamping room, the deacidification facility, and the enamel shop. Here, metal sheets were processed, prepared, and pressed, then varnished. However, business began to suffer and the factory changed hands multiple times. Finally, the factory applied for insolvency in June 1939, with an official announcement by the Regional Court in Kraków.
Employment of Jewish workers at Schindler's Factory
After Oskar Schindler came to own the enamel factory, he originally began hiring Jew workers for lucrative economic prospects. At the time, the costs of recruitment were significantly lower for Jewish workers, as they were not entitled to compensation. Eventually, Schindler realized his duty to help Jews during the war. He began producing ammunition shells in the factory to classify it as necessary to the war effort. This saved the workers from the concentration camps.
Working conditions at the Factory
Schindler used a part of the factory’s profits to feed his workers. Workers had direct contact with harmful chemicals in the enamel furnaces. But despite it all, Schindler’s employees were fortunate to receive bigger food portions than workers in other factories which were based on forced labor.
Sub-camp for the Jewish workers within Schindle'r Factory
Schindler opened up a sub-camp for workers within the factory so that they would have little contact with the main camp guards. With bribes and an argument for increasing efficiency, his plan was brought to life. Schindler’s camp offered better living conditions for the Jews. As the eastern front began to approach Kraków, most camps and prisons began to liquidate. It was at this point that Oskar Schindler evacuated the factory and its employees to Brünnlitz in the Czech Republic.
After the war, the factory buildings were used to produce telecommunications equipment for around 50 years. Eventually, Schindler’s Factory reopened with two historically important museums aiming to depict life in Krakow during the Nazi occupation. The main exhibition showcases the histories of Kraków’s wartime inhabitants. From the war of 1939 to everyday life under occupation – these exhibits leave little to the imagination with the vast repository of displayed archival documents, radio and film recordings, photos, and artifacts on display.
What is inside Schindler’s Factory?
Before being acquired by Oskar Schindler, the factory was used for producing metal items. After Schindler came to own it, the factory manufactured various enamelware objects. He later decided to also produce mess kits and ammunition shells so that the factory would be classified as an essential part of the war effort, and the Jewish workers would continue to remain employed, away from the concentration camps.
When you visit Schindler's Factory today, you will be able to explore the two museums on the premises that showcase different aspects of life in Krakow during the Nazi occupation through a series of immersive exhibits.
Each room of the museum is meticulously designed to recreate specific places and streets in Krakow – from a hairdresser’s salon, and a railway station, to a labor camp, or a bustling street. The museum offers a visually immersive history lesson that visitors can stroll through at their leisure. You’ll also be able to view Schindler’s desk along with a list of Jews he was successfully able to save.
Schindler’s Factory highlights
Exhibitions
There is a permanent exhibition and a temporary exhibition held at Oskar Schindler’s Factory. The permanent exhibition, 'Krakow - during the occupation 1939-1945', tells the history of Krakow and its Polish and Jewish residents during World War II, using everyday objects, newspapers, personal documents, and other artifacts. The temporary exhibition, 'Partings - searches. The wartime fate of Krakow citizens tells wartime stories from the perspective of the inhabitants of Krakow.
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Educational activities
Schindler’s Factory organizes educational tours and activities for children of different ages to help them better understand the history of Krakow and its capture during World War II. In these classes, students are taken through the exhibitions to see the period artifacts, photos, and documents for a better understanding of Krakow’s history. You can also join the online remote classes to learn about life in Krakow during the WWII years of 1939-1945 and how Oskar Schindler made a real impact in history.
Events
Schindler’s Factory holds regular events, including curated tours of their existing exhibitions, in a bid to provide visitors with a deeper understanding, not only about the war, but also the senselessness of it. Some events tend to be more light-hearted. One such event focuses on a part of the core exhibition that is devoted to the history of clothing and fashion in the 1930s, aiming to illustrate the changing fashion, which is in turn reflective of social and economic changes.
Read MoreFrequently Asked Questions about Schindler's Factory
What is Schindler’s Factory?
Schindler’s Factory is an erstwhile enamel factory in Krakow, Poland. Under the Nazi regime, Oskar Schindler employed over 1,000 Jewish people in this factory and saved them from being sent to concentration camps.
Is Schindler’s Factory open to the public now?
Oskar Schindler’s Factory in Krakow reopened for tourists on June 26, 2021. You can now go on a tour of the Schindler’s Factory to learn the history of Krakow during World War II and how Oskar Schindler helped save over 1,000 Jews during the war.
Do I need tickets to enter Schindler's Factory?
Yes, Schindler’s Factory is a ticketed attraction. You need to purchase Schindler’s Factory tickets at least 4 days prior to your visit.
Where can I buy tickets for Schindler’s Factory?
The best way to buy Schindler’s Factory tickets is to pre-book them online. Visit here for more information.
Why is Schindler’s Factory important?
Schindler’s Factory is a historical attraction with immense significance. It has been turned into a museum that showcases the wartime experiences in Krakow during World War II. Oskar Schindler saved 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by giving them work in his factories.
Why should I visit Schindler’s Factory?
When you visit Schindler's Factory today, you will be able to explore the two museums on the premises that showcase different aspects of life in Krakow during the Nazi occupation through a series of immersive exhibits.
Is Schindler’s Factory worth visiting?
Yes, Schindler’s Factory has now been turned into a museum and is of great historical value as it showcases the wartime experiences in Krakow during World War II.
When was Schindler’s Factory built?
Schindler’s Factory was established in the year 1937 in Krakow, Poland.
Who founded/created the Schindler’s Factory?
Schindler’s Factory was established by three Jewish entrepreneurs: Michał Gutman, Izrael Kahn, and Wolf Luzer Glajtman.
Why was Schindler’s Factory built?
Schindler’s Factory was primarily a metal tin factory. Under the ownership of Oskar Schindler, the factory began producing ammunition shells and Schindler employed over 1,000 Jewish people to save them from being sent to concentration camps.
What is Schindler’s Factory used for today?
After the war, Schindler’s Factory’s buildings were used to produce telecommunications equipment for around 50 years. Eventually, Schindler’s Factory reopened with two historically important museums aiming to depict life in Krakow during the Nazi occupation.
Where is the Schindler’s Factory located?
Schindler’s Factory is located in Krakow, Poland.
What can I see inside Schindler’s Factory?
Schindler’s Factory now houses two historical museums which paint a picture of Krakow under Nazi occupation.
Are guided tours available for the Schindler’s Factory?
Yes, there are guided tours available for Schindler’s Factory. Visit here to learn more about Schindler’s Factory tours.
How do I skip the lines at Schindler’s Factory?
You can skip the lines at Schindler’s Factory by pre-booking your Schindler’s Factory tickets.
Is Schindler’s Factory wheelchair friendly?
Yes, Schindler’s Factory is wheelchair friendly and visitors can make use of the elevators as well.
How big is Schindler’s Factory?
Schindler’s Factory now houses two historical museums and covers an area of about 40,000 square meters.