The Przedpiekle Museum of the Polish Devil

This is one of Europe’s two museums devoted exclusively to the devil. Surprisingly, the Museum is located in a high-rise residential building. The neighbours have accepted the collection to be on display in the corridor and in the basement, the latter of which is called Przedpiekle [Pre-Hell]. The Museum holds a collection of devils and folk devils as well as representations made by recognised artists such as Mleczko and Hasior. The Museum of the Devil prides on the largest collection of Satan’s representations. The institution, which holds over 2 thousand items, has been listed as a monument by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.

The devil is represented here in all shapes and figures and in each technique and form. The majority of the collection is comprised of sculpture, but it also holds other representations, e.g. paintings, tapestries, casts, graphic art, book plates and ceramics. The collection is also known for its real rarities such as lace devils and paper cutting representations. The clothing section holds a variety of accessories ornamented with the devil’s representations: watches, cups, containers and bottles with a devil immersed in it.

The museum is available to visitors by prior appointment with the owner Wiktoryn Grąbczewski, who is known for his exquisite knowledge on Polish devils. He has learnt everything from legends and folk tales. He nonetheless refuses to believe in the devil. He says the devil is but a figment of human imagination, often represented in a playful or whimsical way not as a dangerous demon but as a prankster who sometimes does mischief to people and sometimes comes to their rescue. Wiktoryn Grąbczewski, who has written and co-written many books on the devil, has toured almost the entire world with his collection to present it at a variety of exhibitions.

The owner of the Museum of the Devil considered bequeathing his collection to the Castle Museum in his native Łęczyca. The castle was reported to be inhabited by Boruta, a devil guarding a golden treasure, who also features in an endless variety of folk tales and legends. Wiktoryn Grąbczewski found Boruta so inspiring that he was virtually sucked up by his collection, which he wanted to return to his hometown. The idea failed to garner support, and this extremely valuable collection is now available for purchase in its entirety.