Discover the captivating tale of the Order of the Smile Museum nestled in Rabka-Zdrój, home to the world’s only decoration bestowed by children upon adults.
The Order of the Smile is a unique decoration awarded to adults by children. It is a symbolic distinction that honors individuals who particularly care for children and take action to improve their lives and living conditions. Established in 1968 by the International Chapter of the Order of the Smile, the first knight was Józef Krupiński. Since then, it has been awarded annually on November 20th, International Children's Day. Its aim is to promote the idea of respect and care for children and to emphasize their important role in society.
The highlight of the museum is six mannequins donated as a gift by the Kuczara Mannequin Workshop from Radziszów.
In 1996, the International Chapter of the Order of the Smile convened the inaugural World Knightly Gathering in Rabka. Renowned as a children’s health resort since the late 19th century, Rabka was also nominated for the title of “City of Children of the World.”
The gathering took place on June 1–2, 1996, marking the museum’s inception at the Upper Silesian Rehabilitation Center on Dietla Street, inaugurated by Jolanta Kwaśniewska and Cezary Leżeński.
The following year witnessed the second global assembly of knights in Rabka, coinciding with the museum’s relocation to Primary School No. 2 on Sądecka Street.
In 2003, celebrating the order’s 35th anniversary, the museum found its permanent home in a purpose-built wooden structure within the Family Entertainment Park “Rabkoland.” Notable figures such as Paweł Jaros and local officials officiated the opening.