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Jerzy Kukuczka Memorial Chamber
is located in Istebna, in the hamlet of Wilcze. Here Jerzy Kukuczka stayed with his family, his sons and friends; it was here that he rested between his expeditions; here in silence and peace he worked on his books. He knew this region by heart, he spent his childhood there. Although he was born in Katowice, his roots come from here - from Istebna. After Jerzy's tragic death on the South Face of Lhotse, a lot of people interested in his figure began to visit this place. They took pictures and asked if they could hear or see anything about him.
"Seven years after Jerzy's tragic death on the southern wall of Lhotse, I began to think about creating a place dedicated to his person, for young people, for schools under his name, for his enthusiasts and people who will never forget him. A place where I could tell his Himalayan history and show his memorabilia"
Cecylia Kukuczka
"Currently in the Chamber Memory there are photos from his expeditions, some old climbing equipment, medals, decorations, books, and above all his spirit, his constant presence."
HISTORY OF THE CHAMBER
ROOTS
Jerzy Kukuczka was born in Katowice, but his family originated in Istebna. His father, Józef, a highlander and skiing enthusiast, was born there. Jadwiga, Jerzy's mother, also hails from Istebna. After World War II, they both decided to move to Katowice for work. They settled in a tenement house on Markiefki Street. From that point on, the family home in Istebna served as a summer destination, where Jerzy Kukuczka spent much of his childhood.
CHILDHOOD
It was in Istebna that Jerzy lifted weights, conquered his first Beskid peaks, and spent time with friends playing competitive games. His family home remained close to Jerzy Kukuczka's heart throughout his life. This didn't change when he took his first steps in climbing in the Tatras, Alps, Dolomites, or Hindu Kush, and it didn't change when he became a famous Himalayan mountaineer.
Family
Many important events in Jerzy's life took place in Istebna, but the most important was the time he spent with his family. Here, he rested after the rigors of expeditions to the world's highest mountains, planned his next ones, and devoted himself to work on his book. But things weren't always so peaceful. Jurek was a very sociable person, often inviting friends and acquaintances to Istebna, organizing joint New Year's Eve and Christmas parties. It was also here that he married Cecylia in 1975.
FESTIVAL
In February 1988, the famous Mountain Festival took place in Istebna. A small highlander's cottage hosted hundreds of climbers, Himalayan mountaineers, journalists, mountaineers, and friends of Jerzy Kukuczka, who himself welcomed the guests in traditional highlander garb. As a report from a contemporary issue of Panorama reports: "As befits a festival host, Jerzy Kukuczka invited everyone to Istebna, where, in a small highlander's cottage, he welcomed over a hundred guests from around the world with traditional Polish hospitality. There was a sleigh ride in the snow-covered Beskids, a lamb roast, and many other attractions, including a presentation of Polish folklore."
TRAGEDY
On October 24, 1989, Jerzy Kukuczka died while attempting to climb the legendary south face of Lhotse. The sudden death of the famous climber shocked the entire world. Cecylia Kukuczka awoke to a new, grim reality that she had to cope with.
CHAMBER
Cecylia Kukuczka began working to preserve the memory of Jurek's life and his outstanding achievements. She saved every memento Jerzy left behind – every single piece of climbing equipment and clothing, tens of thousands of photographs he took during his expeditions, diaries, letters, and much more. All of this remains to this day. In 1996, she opened the Jerzy Kukuczka Memorial Chamber in a highlander's house in Istebna, where she displayed her husband's memorabilia for visitors to view.
Development 2016
Over time, the Memorial Chamber began to attract more and more tourists, school trips, and those who had strayed from the Beskid Mountains to visit Kukuczka's home. So much so that the house simply had to be expanded, which was achieved by building a spacious terrace. This allowed for the Chamber to expand, display more memorabilia, refresh the exhibition, and accommodate more tourists who wanted to learn about Jurek's story. New information boards were also installed on the road leading to the building. The expansion took place in 2016, and the event was accompanied by a grand opening.
Development 2025
At the end of 2025, work began on another expansion of the Memorial Chamber. We are expanding the house's space, expanding the parking lot, and adding facilities for people with disabilities. Furthermore, the Great Man Foundation (founded by the mountaineer's son, Wojciech Kukuczka) has been maintaining the extensive Jerzy Kukuczka Archive for years. Archival materials, compiled and digitized over the years, have allowed us to enrich the Chamber's exhibition with previously unseen methods of presenting the collections, such as the use of original video recordings from Himalayan expeditions and excerpts from interviews with Jerzy Kukuczka. Additionally, we are adding previously unpublished photographs, documents, and museum objects developed in our archive. All this will allow you to better understand Jerzy Kukuczka's story and spend an enjoyable and valuable time in the Memorial Chamber!
Visiting the Memorial Chamber is free of charge
Jerzy Kukuczka is one of Poland’s most outstanding Himalayan climbers, whose achievements continue to inspire and command immense respect around the world. The Great Man Foundation is passionately dedicated to sharing his story and preserving the memory of this extraordinary man. That is why admission to the Memorial Room remains free and open to everyone. However, if you would like to support our efforts, we would be immensely grateful. Every zloty makes a real difference in archiving memorabilia, producing films, and preserving the legacy of one of the world’s most outstanding Himalayan climbers.
Donate any amountZAPRASZAMY!
If you wish to visit the Memorial Chamber, please call us in advance:
Cecylia Kukuczka
508 389 558
cecyliakukuczka@gmail.com
Jerzy Kukuczka Memorial Chamber
Istebna 340 (Wilcze)
Current opening hours
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