The Yotvingian Eldorado

An exhibition at the State Archaeological Museum of finds from the richest Yotvingian cemetery, discovered at Krukówek. The necropolis was located thanks to a police investigation, which made it possible to recover more than a hundred objects from looters. The museum gives neither an opening nor a closing date.

The State Archaeological Museum on the exhibition (translated from the Polish original):

The exhibition “The Yotvingian Eldorado” presents sensational finds from the 12th and 13th centuries, coming from the richest Yotvingian cemetery, discovered at Krukówek. The necropolis was located thanks to a covert police investigation, which made it possible to secure the site and recover more than 100 priceless objects from looters. The display shows the wealth of the old elites through unique weapons, finely worked ornaments (including the so-called crowns of the dead) and everyday objects. Visitors can learn about the fascinating cremation rite, in which grave goods were deliberately destroyed so that, according to belief, they would be “reborn” together with their owner in the afterlife. This is an exceptional opportunity to see the results of the cooperation between the museums of Suwałki and Warsaw in saving and studying this priceless heritage.

What to expect

Weapons, ornaments and everyday objects of the old Yotvingian elites, including the so-called crowns of the dead. The museum places the emphasis on the cremation rite: grave goods were deliberately destroyed so that, according to belief, they would be “reborn” with their owner in the afterlife - which is the key to understanding the state in which the objects survived.

A separate thread is the story of the recovery itself. The cemetery was tracked down through a covert police investigation, allowing the site to be secured and more than a hundred objects taken back from looters. The exhibition is the result of cooperation between the museums of Suwałki and Warsaw.

Admission has been charged since 4 August 2026. Opening hours and further information are on the museum’s own page.