Polish History Museum opens new seat at Warsaw Citadel

The official inauguration of the new seat of the Polish History Museum took place on Thursday (Sept. 28). Among the many guests of the ceremony were President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Speaker of the Sejm Elżbieta Witek, Minister of Culture and National Heritage Piotr Gliński, and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak

In his speech at the inauguration, president Duda said the museum was a dream and idea of Poland's former president Lech Kaczyński, who died in the 2010 Smolensk air disaster. "He considered it one of the most important tasks which should be pursued by those who carry responsibility for the Republic of Poland for future generations," he added.

"Often harking back to history, he would speak about life and mention potential ways in which the future could develop, of what might happen," the president added.

Duda also said it would be hard to find a better place to document the history of Poland. "The largest, the most beautiful, and undoubtedly and absolutely the most advanced museum in Poland as of this moment."

"What is being created here is not only a building, it's a kind of symbol which is also meant to guide us towards the future. For history is not only the teacher of life, but a truthfully told history, especially the history of Poland, is not only a reason to be proud, but mainly a weapon to fight for a strong Poland, for a better future for the Republic of Poland," said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

He added that the construction of the museum "proves we are on the path to victory, to the restoration of Poland's rightful place on the map of Europe, and the map of the world".

Culture Minister Piotr Gliński underscored that the museum is Poland's largest and most important cultural investment.

He added that the PHM tells a story "of civilizational changes and about our identity". "This is a story about the power of community, freedom and solidarity, about values Poland has emerged and emerges - particular and universal at the same time. A story addressed not only to our compatriots, but also to all those who will visit the museum and the museum park at the Warsaw Citadel," he said.

The new impressive building of more than 44,000 m2 will house, among others, a hall for temporary exhibitions as well as a space for the future permanent one.

"The museum’s educational activities will be carried out in spacious rooms for lessons and workshops as well an educational park just outside the building. Cultural events, conferences, festivals, debates and other events will be staged using the space available in the auditorium (capacity: 577 persons) and the cinema-and-theatre hall (135). In the future, the building will also have its own food and drink facilities, museum shop and library," the PHM said at its website.