The grounds of the former Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi concentration camp are the largest cemetery in the world and a sombre memorial to the martyrdom of many millions of Jews, Poles, Gypsies and other ethic groups and nationalities exterminated there during World War II. It is a place of commemoration, which also serves as a warning against racial hatred, xenophobia and war atrocities.
 

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum was established in 1947 on the site of the largest Nazi concentration camp. The museum is divided into two parts: Auschwitz camp and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camp. Visitors may access both camps, all remaining structures and ruins and enter selected structures in which exhibits are displayed. Admission to both sites is free of charge.

Professional guides are available and it is recommended to use their services. Organised groups are expected to be taken on a guided tour only by the guides licensed by the museum. Each day at 11:30 a.m. visitors may join a guided tour in English only (ca PLN 16.00 per person) or at any other time hire privately a guide who speaks English or another language. (prices for hiring a private guide may vary).

A guided tour of both camps last ca 3 hours.
 
Additionally, a 20 minute long documentary film „Oswiecim - Auschwitz" is screened in the museum's cinema theatre in different language versions (English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Polish and Russian). Tickets are sold in the cinema theatre at the price of ca PLN 2.00.

Printed guidebooks, postcards, video cassettes and other publications are also sold.
 

The distance from Krakow to Oswiecim is ca 61 km (1 hr ride by coach).

Individual and guided tours from Krakow can be booked locally with most hotels and travel agents, for example Point or Intercrac.

A regular shuttle bus service between both camps is available between 15 April and 31 October.

The museum is closed on the following dates: 25 December, 1 January, Easter Sunday.

During official commemorations and other major public events visitors may access the grounds but guided tours are not available.

The State Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau
Wiezniow Oswiecimia 20
32-603 Oswiecim
Tel. +48 33 8432022, 8432077, 8432133
Fax +48 33 8432227, 8431934
Telex 354198 PEEMO 

http://www.auschwitz.org.pl