Museum of Art MS2

MS2, in the Manufaktura complex, is the second of three sites featuring the core of the Łódź art collection. Housed in an impressive factory building, it focuses on more contemporary work, often featuring a comprehensive retrospective of two Polish artists in large, loft-style rooms, alongside works in the lobby and stairways.

Museum of Art MS2

The main art collection of Łódź is spread across three locations. Loosely speaking, Herbst Palace features largely pre-20th century work, MS1 looks mainly at the 20th century, and MS2 generally has more up-to-date work. It is a cool, clean, contemporary gallery in a converted factory building with a mix of 3-4 permanent and temporary displays spread over four floors.

Although the exhibition rooms are large, the overall sense of the museum is relatively small and relaxed. There were a handful of people visiting the gallery when I went, and the experience felt quite intimate. There is a mix of large scale installation work and a deep retrospective look at a single artist, although this may change when you visit.

One of the main gallery areas

In addition to one or two temporary exhibitions, you can see the permanent installation by Stanisław Dróżdż from 2003 called Alea iacta est. The interactive piece involving dice on a craps table and exploring chance and its relationship to winning. There are also a handful of sculptures by Grzegorz Gwiazda permanently on display in the foyer.

In truth, the work won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it’s helpful that the gallery offers handouts with introductory text and high-quality images. And, if you’re comfortable with contemporary art, this is a gorgeous space to learn about living Polish artists.

Main entrance on the ground floor

How To Visit The Museum of Art MS2

You can reach MS2 via the 2, 3, 6, 11, and 19 trams and the 58B, 59, 73, 87A, 87B buses, all stopping at Zachodnia – Manufaktura. Use this official Łódź timetable to plan your journey. With the Park Staromiejski behind you, cross the road and enter the Manufaktura complex. Walk along the main boulevard, past all the restaurants, towards the main Manufaktura shopping mall. Once you reach this, turn left and you’ll see the MS2 building in front of you. Use the entrance on the ground floor rather than the ramp at the back of the building.

Museum of Art MS2 address: Ogrodowa 19, 91-071 Łódź, Poland

MS2 is open from:

• Tuesday: 9am-4pm
• Wednesday-Sunday: 12noon-6.30pm
• Monday: closed

Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

The museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Epiphany (January 6), Easter, Independence Day (November 11), Christmas (December 24-26), and New Year’s Eve, as well as a handful of other public holidays. Check the official MS2 museum page for clarification.

Tickets for the Stanisław Dróżdż permanent exhibition cost 15zł (10zł) and the cost of temporary exhibitions currently ranges from 15-20zł (10zł reduced). Children and students under 26 get entry for 1zł for each exhibit. Children under 7 are free.

However, you can also buy a carnet for 45zł (30zł reduced), which last two full days and gives you access to both the MS1 and MS2 art galleries, as well as the Herbst Palace museum. This carnet is also 1zł for children and students under 26.

Advance tickets are available online from the official MS ticket site or you can just buy one at any of the three branches. These will be stamped as you visit each museum.

All times and prices are subject to change, and opening hours may be different during public holidays.

The lounge area on the first floor

Tips For Visiting The Museum of Art MS2

• How long you spend in the gallery will very much depend on the temporary exhibitions. Budget for an hour with a bit of leeway in case you find something particularly interesting.
• The museum may occasionally offer guided tours for specific exhibitions. Check the official MS2 museum page for updates.
• There is a free cloakroom on the ground floor, around the corner from the ticket desk.
• Photography and filming are allowed, as long as you don’t use a flash or tripod, or otherwise interfere with the running of the museum.
• I wouldn’t generally recommend this museum for children, although it depends on the temporary exhibitions.
• The museum has accessible entrances and lifts between floors. The gallery spaces are also spacious, although the doors might be tricky to navigate. See the dedicated MS2 accessibility page for the latest details. The museum is nicely airconditioned and there are places to sit in the exhibition halls.
• The museum doesn’t have a cafe, which is a shame, but there is a coffee machine in the excellent lounge area on the first floor. And the building is part of the Manufaktura complex, which is full of places to eat and drink.
• There is a very nice book and gift shop on the ground floor of the museum.
• You can pay with either cash or cards.
• Keep your ticket handy, as it will be checked before you enter each exhibition.
• There are toilets available in every part of the museum.

Where Is This Place Located?

Find this location on the Visit Łódź map:

• Open the Visit Łódź map
• Click on a marker and it will give you the name of the landmark, with a brief description and links for more information and directions. You can pan, scroll, and zoom around the map, or use the + or – buttons in the bottom left of the map to zoom in and out
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side, sorted by category. Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map
• Each category is on a different layer, which can be switched on and off. So you can just see the Hotel or Restaurant pins, for example
• If you are using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location

Map pins are color coded:

• YELLOW / ORANGE: Łódź Sightseeing
• GREEN: Łódź Transportation
• BLUE: Hotels in Łódź
• PURPLE: Shopping In Łódź
• DARK RED: Restaurants in Łódź
• LIGHT RED: Nightlife in Łódź