Conference Tour

About the tour

Welcome to the World of Old Factories

I traveled a long way from being a petty salesman to becoming a millionaire. I started off with a small shop I inherited from my father. Łódź was my "Promised Land." I quickly amassed a "modest" capital from sales of percale to Russia, and I could at last realize my dream of owning my own factory. The construction of the first weaving mill began in 1872. I imported state-of-the-art power looms from England. I bought cotton plantations and sorting plants in Asia. Trains carrying raw materials and finished goods, roamed far and wide, linking my mills with the rest of the world. Unfortunately, the great world wars and economic crises ruined the achievements of three generations of the Poznański family. The factory fell into decay, the family members scattered all over the globe, and our property was nationalized and renamed Poltex. Years later, history turned full circle. The grand factory walls were restored to their former glory, thanks to which I can welcome you all here and proudly show you around my empire. The best place to look for me is the Factory Museum, where time is measured to the rhythm of loom shuttles.

Israel Kalmanowicz Poznański

Programme of excursion

We meet Israel Kalmanowicz Poznański. Factory owner greets his guests and invites them to the trip in time, taking us from the days when the industrial might of Łódź was born, to the present time. We start the wandering at the residence of Księży Młyn, where Poznański worked as a salesman for another great factory owner - Karol Scheibler. We will visit the Herbst residence which is well known as the Museum of the Factory Owner Interior.


Next, we will walk through the residential complex (factory, workers' houses, shops, a school and a fire station). We are also bound to take a stroll down Piotrkowska Street - the main promenade of the city.


After a short walk, we arrive at the Manufaktura Centre. The French investor, APSYS Group, was invited to participate in the project to convert the industrial empire of Poznański into a culture, entertainment and retail centre. The Manufaktura complex opened its doors in 2006 becoming Europe's most original center of such a kind. We will have a lunch here in the famous restaurant "Anatewka" where Jewish food is served.


Finally our guide will show us proudly Poznański's empire. It is a real gem of 19th century industrial architecture. It consisted of numerous factory buildings and workers' houses, a hospital, a church and the factory owner's palace. In fact, it was a self contained small town. All the buildings were designed according to architectural rules prevailing towards the end of the 19th century. The factory owner attached great importance to architectural detail. The majestic production halls with their unplastered brick façades are still eye catching, testifying to the affluence and tremendous economic power of the owner.


We aim at the Museum of the Factory where we will have a unique chance to experience the everyday life of a working class person due to the rich collection of artifacts. It will give us a possibility to have a photo of a retro-style.

The Factory Museum uses state-of-the-art communication tools: multi-media presentations, film shows, historical reconstructions and reenactments. You will have an opportunity to observe workers in their workshops, touch the cotton at every stage of its processing, and create your own fabric designs. This combination of authentic artifacts and modern technologies makes visitors' experience truly unforgettable .


Do not hesitate! Join us! We will start the tour on Thursday, 21st June in the morning.

This page has been elaborated on the base of information published in the leaflet issued by the Museum of the Factory.