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Schindler's Factory, Krakow | World War II & Holocaust memorial

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

schindler's factory in krakow

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Lipowa 4, 30-702 Kraków, Poland

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

09:00–19:00

TICKETS

From $17.98

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)

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Did you know?

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.

More insights

How to book Schindler's Factory tickets and tours?

Oskar Schindler's Factory Skip-the-Line Tickets

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Flexible duration
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Oskar Schindler’s Factory Guided Tour

Mobile ticket
1 hr. 30 min.
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Oskar Schindler’s Factory & Ghetto Guided Tour

Free cancellation
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3 hr. - 4 hr. 30 min.
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From Krakow: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Oskar Schindler's Factory Guided Tour

Free cancellation
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9 hr.
Guided tour
Transfers included
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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.

a recreation of a hairdressing salon during the Nazi occupation at Schindler's Factory

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.

Plan Your Visit to Schindler’s Factory

History of Schindler’s Factory

oskar schindler's enamel factory in krakow
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

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.

oskar schindler's factory at krakow
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

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.

Sub-camp for the Jewish workers within Schindle'r 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.

schindler's factory museum

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.

a representational tram at 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.

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 Museum exhibitions

Schindler’s Factory highlights

Schindler's Factory Tour 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.

Schindler’s Factory Exhibitions
oskar schindler's desk at schindler's factory

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.

Schindler's Factory Tours Highlight

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.

Schindler’s Factory Events

Frequently 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.

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