Opening to the public on September 29th, the Museum of Polish History on Warsaw’s Citadel promises a captivating journey through a millennium of the nation’s history. The exhibition, titled “Great and Small Stories,” features over 500 artifacts, each offering a glimpse into Poland’s rich heritage.
As of the autumn of 2023, the Polish History Museum will operate in its brand-new seat at the Warsaw Citadel. The impressive building of more than 44,000 sq. m will house, among others, a hall for temporary exhibitions (1.400 sq. m) as well as a space for the future permanent one (7,300 sq. m). (muzhp.pl)
Grand Opening Festival
From September 29th to October 1st, visitors can engage in educational workshops, participate in outdoor games, join debates, and enjoy theatrical performances during the Grand Opening Festival. The festivities kick off on Thursday with an exclusive concert, broadcasted on TVP Kultura and Polish Radio II, featuring pianists Janusz Olejniczak and Tomasz Ritter performing Chopin’s compositions, as well as Krzysztof Penderecki’s “Polish Requiem” interpreted by the Karol Szymanowski Philharmonic Choir and Sinfonia Iuventus Orchestra.
Surprise Awaits
On the late evening of September 28th, the Museum has a surprise in store for all. Keep an eye on their social media for updates, urges Dr. Michał Przeperski, the Museum’s spokesperson.
Diverse Collection
The heart of the Museum lies in its temporary exhibition, “Great and Small Stories: Creating the Museum of Polish History Collection,” showcasing the institution’s acquisitions since 2006. The collection, now approaching 60,000 objects, features nearly 500 items narrating Poland’s thousand-year history, from Chrobry’s medieval coin to recent assistance provided to Ukraine. Many items have been returned to Polish hands recently, including seven large paintings from the World Exhibition in 1939.
Polish Enigma and More
Among the exhibits, visitors can marvel at the “Polish Enigma,” a replica of the German encryption machine from WWII built by Polish engineers, making it a unique artifact globally. Additionally, remnants of the Vasa Palace, Villa Regia, which were once looted by Swedish forces during the Deluge, have been recovered from the depths of the Vistula River.
Visitor Information
Following the Grand Opening Festival, the Museum of Polish History will welcome guests for a symbolic złoty admission fee until November 10th. On Independence Day, admission will be free. The Museum will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM.