Kosciuszko Museum in Solothurn – Polish Museum in Switzerland devoted to Tadeusz Kościuszko

The Polish-Swiss Parliamentary Group visited Switzerland to celebrate the Polish national and public holidays on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of May. Poles need to remember Kościuszko and promote Polish ideals of freedom. This duty refers also to Polish Community Abroad, especially in Solothurn. During the visit of the Parliamentary Group to the Kościuszko Museum, the further development of this important Polish cultural institution was discussed.

The purpose of the Kosciuszko Museum in Solothurn, Switzerland, is, of course, the cultivation of tradition and the preservation of the memory of Tadeusz Kościuszko, who spent the last 2 years of his life in the house where the museum is now located. 

As such, the museum also acts as an “ambassador” of Polish culture and promoter of Polish history in Switzerland, trying to bring Poland and Poles closer to the Swiss society.

After his death, the memory of Kościuszko survived and lasted because of two Polish uprisings in 1830 and 1863. Since 1844, celebrations have been organized in his memory every year. 

Kościuszko’s stay at the house on Gurzelngasse was commemorated for the first time in 1865 by placing a plaque in his honour on its facade. The first Kosciuszko Association was established in the same year. 

The house became more popular when its owners sold it to Chocolat Villars AG. The new owners rebuilt the house and the ground floor of the building was turned into a shop in 1932. 

Then, the idea to preserve the house and memory of the brilliant Pole was born and the museum was established.