Herbst Palace Museum. Branch Museum of Art — Attraction in Łódź

Everyone who wants to visit Lodz should see this place! All this awaits you here: good prices, nice staff, a cafe in the building and a good experience. Recommend!

(i) The Herbst Palace is inseparably linked to the history of the Herbst and the Scheibler families, considered the wealthiest and most influential industrialist families not only in Łódź, but in all of Poland in the 2nd half of the 19th century. The design of the interiors and the new arrangement of the rooms were based on documents from the Office of the Head Conservationist and archival photographic material that was uncovered. New sources of information have enabled preservationists to restore the interiors to what they might have looked like when the Herbst family lived in the Palace.

When in the 1970s the villa of the Herbst family was taken over by the Muzeum Sztuki (Museum of Art) in Łódź to transform it into a functioning exhibition of its interiors, the lack of original furnishings and sufficient documentation were serious challenges. The Palace was initially designed based on much more limited access to information and archival materials. Recent research studies have substantially expanded the Museum's knowledge in these areas.

Following the renovation the rooms in the Palace are more impressive and much closer to the original style. Details have been carefully restored, the furniture in the exhibition has been renovated and the current wallpaper pattern is much more similar to the historical original as well. The exhibition shows lavishly furnished representation halls and private rooms of the owners while new exhibition layout smoothly pulls you into the spirit...

The Herbst Palace is another treasure of my hometown, Łódź. Built in the late 19th century for Edward Herbst, who married into the Scheibler family – one of the great textile dynasties – it perfectly captures the elegance and lifestyle of the city’s industrial elite. The interiors are beautifully preserved, with richly furnished salons, a grand dining room, and cozy family spaces that make it feel like a real home rather than just a museum.

What makes it even more special is the outstanding art gallery housed inside. The collection includes works by some of Poland’s most important painters, and it’s one of the best places in Łódź to enjoy fine art in an intimate, historic setting. The palace gardens are also a highlight – quiet, romantic, and a perfect place to stroll after exploring the exhibits.

The Herbst Museum tells a different side of Łódź’s story compared to the grand Poznański Palace: it’s more personal, refined, and intimate, giving you a glimpse into how one of the city’s wealthiest families lived day to day. For anyone visiting Łódź, this place is an absolute must along with Poznański Palace – together they show both the industrial power and cultural richness of the city I’m proud...

Absolutely awful experience, avoid at all costs if you are visiting with family. I warn any visitor not to enter this place if you wish not to have your day spoiled by unpleasant rude staff who screams on children who happen to run or curiously explore the place, or God forbid touch anything including protective glass or ropes (which are not exhibits themselves). Extremely family-unfriendly (awful attitude to children is complemented by lack of adjustment for prams or people on wheelchairs: I don’t mean just interior of the museum but also the entrance which the staff refused to open for us, although they could, so we had to enter through uncomfortable flight of stairs). Constant hovering over people and barking complements the whole unpleasantness. I was even forbidden from drinking water from my own bottle! The manager was the most unpleasant person (yelled at my little boy for touching the rope). These people should not be paid from taxpayers money....