The Schindler Factory and Museum, Krakow

Oskar Schindler arrived in Krakow, Poland shortly after the German invasion in September of 1939.  He was a member of the Nazi party as well as the German military intelligence group.  He gained control over an enamel kitchenware factory in which he oversaw Jewish workers.  Initially, his main concern was to make a profit and be successful.  He certainly met this goal with the use of cheap (Jewish) labor.  Once he saw the extent of the brutality the Nazis demonstrated against the Jews, he became much more concerned with saving lives than making money. Overall, he saved more than 1,200 Jewish lives, and he did so by exempting them from being deported to concentration camps by saying they were essential to the success of his factory – which was in turn essential to the success of the German war effort.

Oskar Schindler

The Schindler Museum is located at 4 Lipowa Street, and is operated by the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow. An article from the LA Times states, “What impressed me is the exhibits’ ability to provoke emotional reaction besides intellectual stimulation.”  The exhibits throughout the museum follow a chronological order beginning during the period between the two World Wars.  The largest portion of the museum is dedicated to Oskar Schindler, his factory, and his Jewish workforce.  This main exhibit is titled, “Krakow under Nazi Occupation 1939-1945.”  The next exhibits feature the German invasion of Krakow in 1939, and also the Soviet capture of Krakow post World War II.  The exhibits give the impression of the hard times the city faced under occupation – especially the Jews.  Some exhibits are temporary, and various movies and lectures are held in a screening room.  

Sources: 

"Oskar Schindler Factory Krakow." Oskar Schindler Factory Krakow. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 May 2013. .

"JewishKrakow.net - Oscar Schindler's Factory." JewishKrakow.net -Welcome to Kazimierz!  . N.p., n.d. Web. 16 May 2013. .

"Kazimierz - Jewish Quarter | Sightseeing and Sights in Krakow." Hotels, Hostels, Sights, Shops, Culture, Events and Restaurant in Krakow. Interactive map of Krakow. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 May 2013. .

"Oskar Schindler, Rescuer of Jews." Oskar Schindler, Rescuer of Jews. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 May 2013. .

"Schindler's Factory in Krakow | Museum of Wartime Krakow | Oskar   Schindler's Museum." Krakow info | Krakow in Poland | Cracow. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 May 2013. .