The Grey House: work begins
Date of publication:
02.07.2026
Description:
On July 2, 2026, an agreement was signed between the KL Plaszow Museum and Texom Sp. z o.o. for the adaptation of the "Grey House" (Szary Dom) as part of the KL Plaszow Museum and Memorial Site project. The agreement was signed by Monika Bednarek, Director of the KL Plaszow Museum, and Tomasz Bańka, a Board Member of Texom.
The adaptation work on the Grey House represents the third stage of the comprehensive memorialization project at the site of the former German concentration camp Plaszow in Kraków. The aim is to preserve the historic structure and adapt it for modern exhibition and educational purposes.
The adaptation work on the Grey House represents the third stage of the comprehensive memorialization project at the site of the former German concentration camp Plaszow in Kraków. The aim is to preserve the historic structure and adapt it for modern exhibition and educational purposes.
The scope of work includes, among other things, interior renovation and the replacement of some floor structures. The roof truss will be completely reconstructed and covered with roof tiles. The building will also be made accessible to people with disabilities, with an elevator to be installed on the north side.
As part of the site development around the Grey House, a plaza will be created featuring bicycle racks, benches, and greenery—including newly planted trees, shrubs, and flowers. Plans also include the creation of a lapidarium to display *matzevot* (Jewish tombstones) discovered within the memorial site.
Upon completion of the adaptation work, the Grey House will host the third installment of the exhibition "KL Plaszow. A Place After, a Place Without," creating a cohesive narrative alongside the permanent exhibition in the Memorial building and across the memorial site. Visitors will also gain access to the building's cellars, which housed the camp detention cells from August 1943. The building will also feature educational rooms and a media library.
The construction site is scheduled to be handed over to the contractor on July 9, 2026. We will provide regular updates on the progress of the work. The scheduled completion date for the work is the first half of 2028.
As part of the site development around the Grey House, a plaza will be created featuring bicycle racks, benches, and greenery—including newly planted trees, shrubs, and flowers. Plans also include the creation of a lapidarium to display *matzevot* (Jewish tombstones) discovered within the memorial site.
Upon completion of the adaptation work, the Grey House will host the third installment of the exhibition "KL Plaszow. A Place After, a Place Without," creating a cohesive narrative alongside the permanent exhibition in the Memorial building and across the memorial site. Visitors will also gain access to the building's cellars, which housed the camp detention cells from August 1943. The building will also feature educational rooms and a media library.
The construction site is scheduled to be handed over to the contractor on July 9, 2026. We will provide regular updates on the progress of the work. The scheduled completion date for the work is the first half of 2028.
The KL Plaszow Museum is implementing the project titled "Construction of the KL Plaszow Museum – Memorial Site in Kraków" with funding from the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021–2027 (FEniKS) programme.
About the Grey House
The Grey House was erected in 1925. It was occupied by the management of the cemetery, used by the Jewish religious community in Kraków, and by the Chevra Kadisha Burial Society. At the time of the operation of KL Plaszow, it contained the offices of the camp management and had a prison in its basement. After World War II, the building was used as a social and private apartment block.
The Grey House is now included in the area of KL Plaszow Museum, in line with the agreement made between the Jewish religious community in Kraków and the city authorities. Following necessary repair work and adaptation to the requirements set by the Museum, a permanent exhibition will be arranged on the ground floor and in the basement; the first floor will contain rooms designed for educational purposes, a generally accessible multimedia library, and a space for contemplation. The principal role in the arrangement of the exhibition to be hosted in the Grey House is assigned to the witnesses.
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The Grey House is now included in the area of KL Plaszow Museum, in line with the agreement made between the Jewish religious community in Kraków and the city authorities. Following necessary repair work and adaptation to the requirements set by the Museum, a permanent exhibition will be arranged on the ground floor and in the basement; the first floor will contain rooms designed for educational purposes, a generally accessible multimedia library, and a space for contemplation. The principal role in the arrangement of the exhibition to be hosted in the Grey House is assigned to the witnesses.
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Signing of the agreement on July 2, 2026.
