Setting off on a journey across Poland in search of places that are a little different, we often stumble upon true, hidden gems. Undoubtedly, one such place, truly deserving of particular attention, is the Button Museum in Łowicz. Has it ever occurred to you that such a common and, it would seem, simple object as a button could be the protagonist of a truly fascinating story? We too were a little surprised when we first discovered the history of this extraordinary place. In Łowicz, a town widely known for its colourful folklore and traditions, you will find a museum that effectively proves that even buttons have their own, sometimes quite extraordinary, histories. And they can tell stories about people, about changing fashions, and even about the greatest historical events. We invite you on a journey into the world of philobutonistics – yes, that’s a real word! – where practically every exhibit, even the tiniest, holds something absolutely unique. This place is a real treasure on Poland’s museum map. Granted, it may not be as well-known as the Gas Industry Museum in Warsaw (and its branches in Paczków, Bóbrka, Głowno, Kasprzak or at PGNiG) or the slightly eccentric Museum of Unusual Bicycles (also known from Gołąb, Puławy, Tarnowskie Góry, Pilzno, Radom, Wieliczka or Katowice), but it is certainly unique on a national scale, and who knows, perhaps even a European one. Prepare to look at buttons from a perspective you’ve probably never considered before! (And what if you have some old buttons at home? Maybe they’re worth something?).

How the Button Museum Came into Being: A Story of Passion and Mementos

Every place with character, every extraordinary museum, has its own story. And the Button Museum in Łowicz is no exception to this rule. Its roots reach quite deep into the past. And the passion, not to mention the incredible dedication, of one particular family led to the creation of this truly unique institution.

The Beginnings of the Collection: From Family Passion to… a Museum!

As is often the case with such initiatives, everything started with a simple, yet profound, passion. Jacek Rutkowski, grandson of Mrs Czesława Majewska, joined forces with his daughter Karolina. And it was they who initiated the establishment of this extraordinary place. On exactly 19th July 1997, the Button Museum in Łowicz came into being. The impetus for action was simply a sincere desire to save the buttons, which constituted a valuable family memento, from complete oblivion, or worse still, destruction. I once tried collecting old coins myself, so I know how important the history of an object is to a collector, even if for someone else it’s just „old junk”. In time, this initially private, intimate initiative transformed into a fully-fledged museum. An institution collecting an increasingly large, truly impressive collection of these small, but as is evident in the museum, truly significant objects. The museum’s history shows how one, seemingly small passion at first glance, can give rise to something of such great importance to the local community and beyond.

The Role of Czesława Majewska, this Key Figure, and Her Haberdashery Shop

It’s impossible to tell the story of the Button Museum without mentioning Czesława Majewska. She was Jacek Rutkowski’s grandmother and an absolutely key figure in this whole story. During the interwar period, she ran a small, modest haberdashery shop in Łowicz. And it was there that all sorts of buttons, in many colours, shapes, and materials, accumulated over the years. Which, years later, became a significant part of the museum’s collection. Her activity, her love for haberdashery, perhaps instilled in the family a unique respect for these small components. Which today, in the museum, can tell colourful stories of bygone eras and, of course, of people. Czesława Majewska’s shop was thus, in a way, the seed of the future museum. A place where a passion was born which, as is evident, has survived generations. (Amazing, isn’t it?).

What the Button Museum Can Boast About: The Richness and Vast Diversity of its Collections

What actually awaits you inside the Button Museum is true richness. A richness of forms, materials, and, of course, histories. The collections are truly impressive and clearly show how much, literally how much, can be hidden in just one small button.

Number of Exhibits and Where They Come From: From Poland to the Furthest Corners of the World!

The Button Museum in Łowicz can boast a collection numbering… over 4,500 exhibits! Yes, that’s impressive! It’s a veritable army of buttons, each one different. Each has its own tale, its own little story. What’s particularly interesting is that these little artefacts come not only from Poland. But from all over the world! You can see buttons from completely different continents, from different cultures and eras. This perhaps best demonstrates the universal nature of a button as an element of clothing. And of history. (Although sometimes it’s hard to believe that such a small thing was so important).

Buttons Belonging to Famous Personalities: From Popes to Presidents and Artists

One of the most, or rather the most fascinating aspects of this collection, are the buttons that belonged to eminent figures. Both historical and those closer to our time, contemporary. It is often these that tell the most intriguing, surprising stories. In the collections, truly, you will find buttons from Pope John Paul II (Blessed John Paul II), from Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński (this particular button of the Primate of the Millennium came to the museum from Father Marian Rola and, importantly, with full documentation of its origin). There is also a button from the Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko. The museum also has, interestingly, a complete collection of Polish presidential buttons! Yes, indeed. There are buttons from:

• Ryszard Kaczorowski, the last President of the Republic of Poland in exile
• Lech Wałęsa
• Aleksander Kwaśniewski
• Lech Kaczyński and Maria Kaczyńska
• Bronisław Komorowski

But that’s not all. You will also find a button from the uniform of General Wojciech Jaruzelski. As well as buttons that belonged to Generals: Władysław Anders, Władysław Sikorski, or Tadeusz Kutrzeba. The collections also include buttons from individuals associated with the world of culture, literature, and science. There is Wisława Szymborska (the Polish Nobel laureate who donated two buttons to the museum and, moreover, dedicated a column to it in her famous „Non-obligatory Readings”, which Jacek Rutkowski rightly considers a great honour). There is Stefan Żeromski, Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz (or simply Witkacy), Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński, Stanisław Lem, Czesław Miłosz, Sławomir Mrożek, Olga Tokarczuk. Helena Modrzejewska, Miles Davis, Jan Karski, Gustaw Holoubek (they have a button of King Władysław Jagiełło, which was a prop from Gustaw Holoubek’s costume in the television series „Royal Dreams” – this shows how important details are in film!). The museum’s founders, which is extremely important, attach great importance to the documentation of absolutely every exhibit, which naturally makes the collection even more valuable and credible. The museum also possesses a faithful copy of one of the most famous buttons in the entire history of Poland. The one with which, according to legend, Marcin Oracewicz wounded a Russian colonel during the heroic defence of Krakow in 1768 against, as they were called back then, the ‘Muscovites’. Impressive, isn’t it?

Buttons as Testimonies to History and Culture: From Antiquity to Contemporary Times

Let’s remember, buttons are not just ornaments. They are true testimonies to history, and equally important, to culture. The collection at the Button Museum perfectly illustrates the evolution of these, seemingly simple, objects over the centuries. Buttons were known as early as antiquity. The Greeks and Etruscans used them, employing them to fasten tunics at the shoulders, as if they were pioneers in this field. In modern times, the first to use them for actually fastening clothes, as we know it today, were, of course, the British. Interestingly, milestone buttons, though they sound monumental, surprisingly turned out to have great significance in the context of the museum, attracting other valuable exhibits. Such as the button-pin belonging to Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz, the same „Witkacy”, made of bone and decorated with a Japanese drawing. It dates, if I recall correctly, from the 18th century. In the Middle Ages, buttons were made from precious metals, which shows their status at the time. However, from the 18th century onwards, mass production was taken up by, well, manufactories. Buttons tell us about fashion, social status, the development of technology. And even about important historical events. It’s a truly fascinating history lesson, just in miniature form. (Who would have thought a button was such a historical goldmine?).

The Significance of the Button Museum: In a Regional, but Also National Context

The Button Museum, even if it seems small, actually holds immense significance. Both for Łowicz itself and, it’s safe to say, for all of Poland.

The Museum as a Unique and, Importantly, Unusual Tourist Attraction in Łowicz

Łowicz, of course, is famous for its colourful folklore and vibrant traditions, but the Button Museum adds something entirely different to this offering. It constitutes a unique, a truly unusual tourist attraction. Because it’s a place you simply won’t find anywhere else in Poland. Jacek Rutkowski is right in believing that the Button Museum has the chance to become another tourist landmark for Łowicz. Attracting, naturally, tourists who are looking for something original, something that surprises, but also educates. This relatively small institution greatly enriches the city’s offering. And it shows that history doesn’t have to be boring at all! It can be told in a surprising and, most importantly, accessible way. The Button Museum in Łowicz has even been included among the places distinguished by the prestigious „Polish BEST” tourist badge. Which only underscores its uniqueness on a national scale. Similarly to, for instance, the world’s first welded road bridge by Professor Stefan Bryła, located in Maurzyce near Łowicz. Or the Museum of Soap in Bydgoszcz. Or, equally unusual, the Museum of Whistles in Gwizdały. They are worth remembering!

Collaboration with Other Institutions, and Organisations

Fortunately, the Button Museum doesn’t operate in, shall we say, isolation. On the contrary! It actively collaborates with various institutions. Mainly to expand its collections. But also, and equally importantly, to reach a wider audience. Among others, they collaborate with the Society of Button Game Enthusiasts. Which, in my opinion, perfectly shows that buttons can be more than just static museum exhibits. But also an element of play, an element of, well, contemporary culture! Such activities greatly help in promoting philobutonistics. And in building, step by step, a community around this, let’s be honest, quite niche, but fascinating passion.

The Button Museum and the Local Community: Education and Promotion

The museum plays, truly, a significant role in the life of the local community in Łowicz. It is a place where everyone can learn more. About the history of the region, of course. But also about its connections with the rest of Poland, and even the world. All of this seen through a very specific, well, lens of buttons. The institution conducts intensive educational activities. They organise workshops, conduct museum lessons. Which wonderfully introduce children and young people to this fascinating world of buttons. They teach about their history, their role in culture. And often they also offer the opportunity to create their own buttons with their own hands! Or to learn the, well, basics of philobutonistics. These activities are simply fundamental for popularising knowledge. And for building awareness about, let’s repeat, the significance of these details that we so easily ignore. In our lives. And throughout history.

A Little About the „Technical” Side and How the Museum is Organised

How exactly does such an unusual museum function? It’s worth taking a closer look at its organisation. And, interestingly, its seat. Which, as it turns out, is quite an exhibit in itself!

The Museum’s Seat: From a Certain Extraordinary Suitcase to a Quite Normal Tenement House

The statutory seat of the Button Museum in Łowicz is… well, something completely unexpected. A historic suitcase dating from the 19th century! It was once the property of Bolesław Modest Majewski. A merchant from Łowicz, grandfather of the institution’s founder. This highly symbolic seat perfectly underscores the museum’s intimate, very personal character. However, looking from another perspective, it’s quite troublesome, because how do you display such a collection in a suitcase? That’s why from 2014, the permanent exhibition was made available to the public in the Łowicka Gallery. But then there was a renovation of the gallery, moving… And the new, a more „physical” seat of the Button Museum, which operates in conjunction with the Folkstar company, was formally opened on 12th December 2019. It is located in a tenement house belonging to the Łowicka Housing Cooperative, at the address: Stary Rynek 10, Łowicz. That sounds more „museum-like”, although that suitcase is a great idea for a memento.

Management and How is it All Funded?

The Button Museum in Łowicz is, it must be clearly stated, a private museum institution. Which, of course, affects its daily operation and, well, funding. It was founded on the initiative of Jacek Rutkowski and his daughter, Karolina Wanda Rutkowska. Although formally not subject to the Act on Museums of 21st November 1996 to the same extent as state institutions, they operate based on their own specially developed statute. And their exhibition, educational, and promotional activities require constant, ongoing commitment. And, it goes without saying, a continuous search for funds. They carry out various projects, often in collaboration, such as with Marta Wróbel for the presentation of part of the collection in the Łowicka Gallery. It’s not easy to run such a private initiative, even though the passion is immense.

Educational Activities: Workshops, and Naturally, Museum Lessons

Until now, the museum’s exhibition activities focused mainly on holding occasional displays. Temporary exhibitions. And, importantly, museum lessons, organised for schools, for example. But in the new seat, thanks to having a permanent exhibition, they can finally make their truly rich collections available to visitors six days a week! This is a huge step forward. They organise fantastic workshops for children, and young people. During these, participants learn about the history of buttons. About their, often underestimated, role in culture. And quite often they also get the chance to create their own buttons with their own hands. Or to learn the, well, basics of philobutonistics. These activities are simply fundamental for popularising knowledge. And for building awareness about, let’s repeat, the significance of these details that we so easily ignore. In our lives. And throughout history.

Does the Button Museum Appear in Popular Culture?

Although the subject of buttons might seem, let’s say, niche at first glance, the Button Museum in Łowicz has surprisingly managed to gain wider recognition. And, interestingly, in culture.

Mentions of the Museum in Books, and Articles

Information about the Button Museum has appeared in several, quite prominent, publications. Which, it’s no secret, testifies to its uniqueness. And about the interest it does, nevertheless, arouse. Among others, our great Wisława Szymborska mentioned it. In her famous „Non-obligatory Readings”! That’s probably the best review they could have received, isn’t it? The museum also appeared in the book „My Angel Has a Green Wing” by Kira Gałczyńska. As well as in „Poison” by Andrzej Pilipiuk. There is also, and this is very interesting, a publication „The Button in Literature” by Zbigniew Kostrzewa. Published, of course, by the Button Museum itself! Which best shows that the subject of buttons inspires not only collectors, but also researchers and, surprisingly, writers. Even academic publications, such as „Warsaw Silverware in the Years 1822-1914” by Joanna Paprocka-Gajek, can be thematically linked to the history of buttons as, well, historical artefacts. This shows how wide the scope of their influence is.

The Museum as the Subject of Films, and Television Programmes

This, well, unusual character of the museum has naturally made it the subject of various film materials. Television programmes. And so on. It attracts media attention, that’s obvious! The media simply want to tell the story of this extraordinary collection. About the passion of its creators. And about how fascinating the world of buttons can be. Although the specific titles of films or programmes, I must admit, are not known to me at this moment… but the mere appearance of information about such a museum in the media testifies to its, nevertheless, certain popularity. And, importantly, about its ability to interest, it would seem, the general public. Incidentally, it’s worth remembering the film „The Button Men”, perhaps available on streaming platforms such as Netflix, although its direct connection to the Button Museum is unknown to me, the title itself shows that buttons inspire, inspire, inspire!

The Button Museum Online: Website and, Indeed, Social Media

Nowadays, it’s probably clear, an online presence is absolutely crucial for promotion. Especially for such a, let’s say, niche place. To reach as many visitors as possible, both from Poland and, who knows, from around the world, the Button Museum in Łowicz actively operates online. They have their own website. And, importantly, profiles on social media. Where, of course, they present exhibits. Inform about various events. And they try to convey the history of buttons as best they can. It is thanks to the internet that many of you have the chance to learn about the existence of this, after all, extraordinary place. And, perhaps, plan a visit to Łowicz. (Although, unfortunately, sometimes it’s easier to find information about a large museum than such a gem, but it’s worth looking!).

Buttons – A Little About Their History and, More Importantly, Significance

Before we quite finish our virtual visit to the Button Museum, let’s take another look at buttons themselves. These small, seemingly ordinary objects have, as we already know, a surprisingly rich history. And symbolism.

Various Materials and Techniques, and Button Production

Buttons were made, and are still made, from a virtually countless number of materials. And, of course, using various techniques. At the Button Museum, you can see exhibits made of bone with your own eyes. Of mother-of-pearl. Of plastic, naturally. But history knows buttons made of wood, metal, glass, porcelain, and even precious stones! The methods of decorating them, the methods of producing them, have evolved over the centuries. From manual, laborious craftsmanship in antiquity, and the Middle Ages. Up to mass, industrial production in manufactories, starting from the 18th century. Orbiculology? Yes, that’s a very narrow field of science. Which deals specifically with buttons! Treating them as important historical artefacts. And, equally important, cultural ones.

Buttons as an Element of Clothing, and… an Ornament!

First and foremost, obviously, buttons served and still serve to, well, fasten clothes. That’s their primary function. But very quickly they became something much, much more than just a practical element. In the Middle Ages, those made from precious metals were an overt symbol of social status. And, it must be said, of the owner’s wealth. In subsequent eras, they became true works of applied art! Decorated, painted, engraved. Buttons as an element of clothing and an ornament perfectly reflect these fashions, changing like a kaleidoscope. And the aesthetics throughout the centuries. It’s like a little fashion history lesson, enclosed in a trifle.

The Symbolism of Buttons in Our, Well, Culture

Buttons, interestingly, have also permeated language. And, well, into our culture. Often acquiring completely surprising, symbolic meanings. We say that we have „zguzikowaliśmy” something (roughly, ‘buttoned it up’). When? Well, when we’ve simply forgotten about something important. In Polish folklore, buttons, interestingly, even had magical significance! A button even has its own official holiday! It is celebrated on 12th December. Which, incidentally, is quite interesting, because in trade, the measure for buttons is a dozen. That is, 12 pieces. A coincidence? Who knows! The patron saint of button makers, surprisingly, is Saint Nicholas of Myra. And that famous notice „The cloakroom is not responsible for buttons” has permanently entered, shall we say, colloquial language. These small objects, as you can see, hide far more meanings than we might suppose at first glance.

Philobutonistics – That is, the Passion of Collecting Buttons!

Yes, an entire, separate field of collecting exists! Wholly dedicated to buttons. It is called, and this is the official name, philobutonistics. It’s a passion for those who can, and moreover, want to, see the history. And beauty. In these, often underestimated, small objects.

Various Types and Categories, Well, for Collecting

Philobutonists, these true enthusiasts, collect buttons according to the most varied criteria! These can be, for example, military buttons. Or civilian ones. Uniform buttons only? Of course! Women’s, children’s? Also! From different materials, for instance, only mother-of-pearl. Or only bone. From specific eras, naturally! From specific countries? Why not! Or even buttons related to specific, well-known personalities. Like those in the Button Museum in Łowicz. Interestingly, entire catalogues exist! And classifications. Which help in organising these, often huge, collections. The passion for collecting buttons allows for the constant discovery of new histories. And acquiring unique, one-of-a-kind exhibits. Although sometimes it’s a real art to find something valuable.

The Collectible Value of Buttons – Is it Worthwhile?

The collectible value of buttons can truly vary a great, great deal! It depends on many things. On rarity, naturally. On age. On the material it was made from. On its condition, that’s clear. But also, which is crucial for philobutonists, on the history associated with it! Buttons belonging to famous personalities. Or buttons with truly unique design. And provenance. They can fetch very high prices on the antiques market. But for many, I think, true philobutonists. The greatest value is not the price at all. But the history! The beauty! Hidden in every, even the smallest, button.

Known Collectors, and Their Collections (Though Not Always Public)

There are many, many enthusiasts of philobutonistics in the world, and also in Poland. True blue ones! Although, I admit, this text doesn’t name specific well-known collectors, apart from the founders of the Button Museum, Jacek and Karolina Rutkowski, who are after all simultaneously collectors and, well, custodians! The world of button collectors is, it’s worth remembering, truly broad. Their collections can be impressive! Gathered over years. With enormous dedication! And it is thanks to such, well, enthusiasts like them. The histories enclosed in buttons. Are saved. From oblivion. And can tell their stories, both small and great, to future generations.

The Button Museum – A Small Museum Which, as is Evident, Has Great Significance!

Our small, virtual journey into the world of buttons is, unfortunately, coming to an end. The Button Museum in Łowicz is living proof that even the smallest, most seemingly insignificant objects can have enormous, truly enormous, historical and, equally important, cultural significance! This small museum, which is housed, let us recall, in a historic suitcase and in a, well, tenement house on Łowicz Market Square, gathers a collection of over 4,500 buttons. Telling stories from antiquity right up to contemporary times! Stories related to figures as great as John Paul II, Wisława Szymborska, or General Władysław Sikorski. Thanks to the, well, passion of Jacek and Karolina Rutkowski, this whole field of philobutonistics has gained a unique place in Poland. A place that educates, entertains, and, most importantly, sparks reflection on the role of these seemingly insignificant details in our lives and throughout history. We warmly, truly warmly, encourage you to visit this extraordinary, one-of-a-kind Button Museum in Łowicz. You will see for yourselves how much can be told by one small button. It’s an experience that will long remain in your memory and will make you start looking differently at these ubiquitous objects. We are convinced that a visit to this museum will be an inspiring adventure for you that will open your eyes to the richness of history hidden in everyday objects! Be sure to add it to your list of places to visit in Poland.