At the beginning of the 20th century, Zakopane was one of the most fashionable destinations in Poland, attracting not only tourists and health resort visitors, but also politicians, social activists, artists, writers, scientists, and physicians. Jan Kasprowicz visited Zakopane many times and, after purchasing a villa in Harenda in 1923, settled there permanently with his wife Maria Kasprowicz (née Bunin). The villa was often visited by his daughters from his earlier marriage to Jadwiga Gąsowska, Janina and Anna.
Jan Kasprowicz is best known as a poet of the Young Poland movement, author of works such as *The Wild Rose Bush* and *The Book of the Poor*. He was also a translator of European literature, playwright, theater critic, respected professor at the University of Lviv, and a lively participant in Zakopane’s artistic and intellectual life. He frequently met with friends such as Stefan Żeromski, Leopold Staff, Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz (Witkacy), and many others.
 The Kasprowicz Villa in Harenda, which has housed a museum since 1950, is located halfway between Zakopane and Poronin. Visitors enter through a veranda, often decorated in summer with Kasprowicz’s favorite nasturtiums, offering magnificent views of the Tatra Mountains.
 The house was originally built in 1920 by Jan Fudala Kluś as a guesthouse. Shortly afterward, it was sold to the English painter Winifrid Cooper, from whom Kasprowicz later purchased it. The villa follows the layout of a traditional Highland cottage, featuring a central entrance hall (now the dining room), a “black room” on the left (living room), and a “white room” on the right (bedroom). Additional rooms include a study, library, kitchen, and attic.
Visitors can explore the dining room, living room, bedroom, and the Gallery of Paintings by Władysław Jarocki, Kasprowicz’s son-in-law. The museum displays original furniture, paintings, books, photographs, and personal belongings of the poet and his family. The interiors have been preserved exactly as they were left by Maria Kasprowicz, who died in 1968.
 Particularly noteworthy are the pastel portraits created by Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz (Witkacy). One depicts Jan Kasprowicz shortly before his death, while another portrays Maria Kasprowicz in 1937. The collection also includes two sculptural representations of the poet: a death mask made by the Highland artist Stanisław Gąsienica Sobczak-Jochym and a sculpted head created by Antoni Popiel in the 19th century.
 The dining room features furniture designed by Władysław Jarocki and crafted in Lviv. The walls are decorated with traditional Highland glass paintings collected by Kasprowicz, as well as portraits of his wife. The museum is managed by the Association of Friends of Jan Kasprowicz’s Works.
 Next to the villa stands a granite mausoleum, built at the initiative of Maria Kasprowicz. The poet was initially buried in the Old Cemetery, but when the mausoleum, designed by Karol Stryjeński, was completed in 1933, his remains were transferred there. Maria Kasprowicz is buried in the chapel above.
 
Near the museum stands a historic wooden church closely connected to the history of the villa. Maria Kasprowicz donated the land for the church. Thanks to the efforts of Professor Władysław Jarocki and local parish priest Jan Tobolak, the abandoned church from Zakrzów, near Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, was relocated to Zakopane and consecrated in 1950.
 
The church’s polychrome ceiling painting depicting the Coronation of the Virgin Mary and the nave decoration featuring Saint Anne with the Virgin Mary and Child were restored and reconstructed by Władysław Jarocki.
 
 Tickets
Museum, Mausoleum, and Gallery
(Guided tour included in the ticket price)
 
- Regular ticket: 20 PLN
- Reduced ticket: 15 PLN
 
Opening Hours
 
 Jan Kasprowicz Museum
- Tuesday – Saturday: 9:15 AM – 3:15 PM
 
Władysław Jarocki Painting Gallery
- Tuesday – Saturday: **9:15 AM – 3:15 PM**
 
Contact
 
📍 Harenda 12A, 34-500 Zakopane
📞 +48 18 206 84 26
📱 +48 517 159 658
📧 sptjk@interia.pl
 
🌐 www.harenda.com.pl