The idea for the museum dates back to the 1920s. However, the collection of exhibits did not begin until 1957. The first museum facility, opened in 1959, was Dworek Gościnny in Szczawnica. After being open for less than three years, a fire put a tragic end to the museum. Fortunately, the museum’s collection was saved and, together with the new exhibits, was moved to the 'Pałac' Villa. The museum operated in this location until 2012 when the former owners reclaimed the building intended for the museum. Since 2014 the exhibition has been in its current location in the former watchtower building in Szlachtowa. Interestingly, Szlachtowa was once the westernmost Lemko village and was the centre of the so-called Ruś Szlachtowska.

The museum's exhibition mainly presents the material culture of the Pieniny highlanders. It is worth taking the time to visit this place to learn about the region's history, the Dunajec River's importance for highland families, and how the Szczawnica spa was founded and operated. You can take a closer look at the Pieniny towns: Czorsztyn, Sromowce, Szczawnica, and Krościenko. This journey will not be short of visits to Pieniny churches and fortified castles. The traditional occupation of the highlanders – rafting – and the wirework traditions of the Ruthenians will resound in the exhibition as the most important occupations of the locals. The exhibition ends at a favourite spot for Szczawnica walkers, the Pieniny Way.