The Wilamowice Cultural Museum has officially opened, aiming to revitalize the Wilamowice language and culture, present in Poland since the 13th century.
This museum is a collaborative project between the Wilamowianie Association and the University of Oslo, showcasing collections related to the Wilamowice language and the history of the Wilamowice ethnic group. Funded by the Norwegian Funds, the project is valued at over 8.5 million PLN.
Historic and Educational Significance
Residents of Wilamowice, near Bielsko-Biała, have preserved their unique culture, attire, and language, a mix of old Germanic dialects. However, the Wilamowice language began to decline post-WWII due to communist repression.
Community Engagement and Architectural Inspiration
The museum will host scientific research, workshops, and language learning sessions, integrating the local community and attracting tourists. The building’s design reflects traditional Wilamowice architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries, inspired by meticulous research of historical documents and architectural sources.
International Partnership
The project’s Norwegian partner is the Faculty of Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies at the University of Oslo.