Travelling, in my opinion, is more than just discovering new places on the map; it is above all a chance to delve into the past and learn about other cultures. When we visit Warsaw, there is one place we simply cannot miss. It is the story of the thousand-year, really long presence of the Jewish community on Polish soil. I am talking, of course, about the Museum of the History of Polish Jews Polin – it is not just a building, it is a living testimony to a shared history and heritage. No, it is not just another Jewish museum, it is an emotional, profound experience that, believe me, stays with you for a long time. That’s why we’ve prepared this guide for you, to make it easier for you to plan your visit and get a full sense of this unique cultural event. So, before you set about checking opening times or ticket prices, let yourself be swept away by the fascinating story this place has in store for us all. It is advisable to check available visiting hours and current ticket prices on the Museum’s website in advance. Information on how to buy tickets and the address can be found later in this guide. When planning your visit, it is advisable to check if the day falls on a special event or a free visit day, if the Museum is organising one.

Architecture and location of the museum

What strikes you immediately is the building of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews itself. Its modern, perhaps even a little daring, form erected in the very heart of Warsaw, in the historic district of Muranów, says as much as the exhibits inside. It was designed by the Finnish architect, Rainer Mahlamäki, and interestingly, this building does not overwhelm its surroundings; on the contrary, it very subtly blends into the space, becoming such an integral part of Muranów. You will easily find the main entrance from Zamenhofa Street, while the more traditional three-storey administrative part faces Anielewicza Street.

The symbolic shape of the Polin Museum: where do these ideas come from?

The architecture of the Polin Museum building is, I must admit, incredibly symbolic. This unique main hall, which seems to cut across the entire volume, and which was created by the Polish company SPB Torkret, is meant to refer to the biblical crossing of the Red Sea. But not only that. It also symbolises, quite movingly, that rupture in the history of Polish Jews that the Holocaust (or Holocaust) caused. Although this space compels reflection, it is also such a metaphor for a bridge. A bridge that the Museum is trying to build between the past and the future, between different cultures and people. The building itself is 21 metres high, with four floors above ground and two below ground. This gives a sizeable floor space of around 13,000 square metres. It is worth noting the glass panels with letters – an idea by Klementyna Jankiewicz – which form the word Polin. This is a reference to the legend of the first Jewish settlers in Poland. The architect even thought of such details as a special opening through which one can see the roof structure over the reconstructed vault of the synagogue from Gwoździec. This symbolically links these different dimensions of history and culture that the Museum presents. I remember that a mezuzah was hung at the entrance, in April 2013. It was designed by Andrzej Bulanda and his son Maciej, and unveiled by the Chief Rabbi of Poland, Michael Schudrich. Made of brick from Nalewki Street, with God’s name engraved on it, it is a truly profound symbol of the return and continuation of Jewish life here.

Muranów – can there be a better location in Warsaw?

The Museum is located in a unique place, truly marked by history. It is, after all, the site of the former Northern Quarter, which before the war was one of the most vibrant Jewish areas in Warsaw. It was here that the Crown Artillery Barracks (also known as Wołyński Barracks, designed by Stanisław Zawadzki) once stood, which later became part of the Warsaw Ghetto. After the Ghetto Uprising, when the district was razed to the ground, the KL Warschau concentration camp was established in this area. The area around the now defunct Volyn Barracks later became the main memorial to the Warsaw Ghetto. Isn’t the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, in front of which German Chancellor Willy Brandt knelt in 1970, apologising on behalf of Germany for the crimes of the Holocaust, the best testimony to this? After the war, this area was built up with blocks of the Muranów Północny housing estate, designed by a team led by Wacław Eytner. The Museum building stands a little further east of the former barracks, but its location, directly opposite the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, creates an extremely moving dialogue between what was and what is now. Anyway, on the side of Anielewicza Street, where, by the way, a friend of mine lives, almost in the very centre of the former ghetto, paper daffodils are distributed every year. This is part of a campaign that the Museum inaugurated to commemorate the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising – a beautiful tradition, isn’t it?

How was the Polin Museum created?

The story of the creation of the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews is a long but also very inspiring one. It is the result of a tremendous effort by many, many people and institutions. The initiative came from the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute in Poland (ŻIH), whose director at the time was Grażyna Pawlak. However, such a vision required really broad support to become a reality at all.

From vision to reality: the road to the opening of Polin

This road, from the first idea, which, believe me, was already in the early 1990s, to the ceremonial opening of the Museum in April 2013 and the opening of the full permanent exhibition in October 2014, was a long one. It really required overcoming a myriad of obstacles. As early as 2005, the Council of Ministers established a multi-year programme to support the construction. Before the international architectural competition was announced (it was February 2005), there were even talks with the world-famous architect Frank Gehry. In the end, out of 119 projects, the competition jury, chaired by Bohdan Paczowski, selected 11 teams. The winner was the design by the Finnish studio Lahdelma & Mahlamäki, which later established cooperation with its Polish partner, the Kuryłowicz & Associates studio. In September 2006, the installation “Tent” appeared in the place where the Museum was to stand. Created by the Warsaw-based Centrala group, it acted as an information point about the emerging Museum. The foundation act for the construction was signed on 26 June 2007. It was signed by representatives of the three co-founders – President of the Republic of Poland Lech Kaczyński, Minister of Culture Kazimierz Michał Ujazdowski and Warsaw Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz. And also the President of the Jewish Historical Institute, Marian Turski, the first donor, Wiktor Markowicz from the USA, and the Chairman of the Polish Museum Construction Support Committee, Marcin Święcicki. Polimex-Mostostal was the building contractor and the Stołeczny Zarząd Rozbudowy Miasta (Capital City Development Authority) was the substitute investor. Approval for the use of level -2, where the permanent exhibition is located, came in December 2013. The full opening of the permanent exhibition took place in October 2014, with attendees including Polish President Bronisław Komorowski and Israeli President Re’uwen Rivlin. There was also Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz, the Speakers of the Sejm and Senate, Radosław Sikorski and Bogdan Borusewicz, and, last but not least, Warsaw Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz. The total cost of the construction, furnishing and creation of the permanent exhibition amounted to approximately PLN 320 million. Of this, the Jewish Historical Institute Association gave 140 million, mainly from donations. An additional 20 million was allocated for day-to-day operations. The City of Warsaw and the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage donated PLN 90 million each. This shows how many different entities had to get involved.

The people who made the Polin Museum a reality

Behind the success of the Polin Museum, as is usually the case, are a host of truly committed people. The aforementioned Finnish architect, Rainer Mahlamäki, created an extraordinary project. It has been recognised with numerous architectural prizes. These include The Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award or the Eurobuild Awards for Best Architectural Project of the Year in Poland. Anyway, the list is long. The 2013 SARP Award of the Year, the Association of Finnish Architects Award, the final of the Architectural Award of “Polityka”. Without the initiative of the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute in Poland, led by Grażyna Pawlak, and their multi-year founding campaign (from 1993 to 2014!), the Museum simply would not have been built. The Museum Building Committee, chaired by Marcin Święcicki, played an important role. It included prominent figures such as Władysław Bartoszewski, Marek Edelman, Bronisław Geremek, Izabella Cywińska and Andrzej Wajda. It also had the patronage of President Aleksander Kwaśniewski and the chairmanship of Shimon Peres on the International Honorary Committee. And donors – both companies and individuals – played a huge role. Jan Kulczyk (PLN 20 million) and Tad Taube (USD 7 million) gave the most. Prominent donors and members of the Donors’ Council (established in 2015, supports the Museum and the Jewish Historical Institute) include such names and foundations as Gregory Jankilevitsch, Koret Foundation, The Bonita Trust, Monika and Wiktor Markowicz, Irene Kronhill Pletka, Carmit and Ygal Ozechov, Tomek Ulatowski, Janette and Alexander Goldberg, Foundation for Polish-German Industry (?), or the Federal Government of Germany and the Kingdom of Norway. The Museum’s activities are co-run by the Ministry of Culture, the City of Warsaw and the Jewish Historical Institute Association. The current director is Zygmunt Stępiński. The deputy directors are Jolanta Gumula, Patrycja Mędza and Łucja Koch. The Museum Council, whose members are appointed by the Minister, is also crucial here. Although, it must be said, there was some controversy surrounding the selection of the director in 2019 – the Minister did not appoint the candidate selected in the competition.

Permanent exhibition: over 1,000 years of history

The heart of the Polin Museum? Without a doubt, it beats in its permanent exhibition. It is entitled ‘1000 years of the history of the Polish Jews’. It occupies a truly impressive area, some 4,200 square metres, on two levels underground. It is an extraordinary journey through the centuries, told in a way that is engaging and very modern. An international team of historians and museum professionals conceived the project. The programme director is Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett of New York University and the chief historian is Antony Polonsky. The exhibition shows the history of the Jews against the background of Polish history. It highlights their contribution to the development of Polish culture, science, economy, and socio-political life. What is important is a factual story that truly teaches respect and understanding.

A journey through the centuries: from the Middle Ages to the present day

Eight thematic galleries take us on an amazing journey through the eras. We begin in the ‘Forest’ gallery. In such a poetic way, through an art installation, it symbolises the legends of how the Jews came to Poland. It tells the story of how they fled persecution in Europe and ended up on Polish soil. Where the rulers welcomed them, and they named the place “Po-lin” in Hebrew. Which means “here you will rest”. They saw this as a sign from God. Then “The First Encounters (years 960-1500)” brings us closer to the appearance of Jews in Poland as early as the 10th century. This was documented, among others, by the Jewish merchant Ibrahim ibn Jacob of the Caliphate of Cordoba, who mentioned Poland. Jewish merchants settled near castles and in towns. By 1500, they were already living in about 100 Polish towns and cities. The next section, ‘Paradisus Iudaeorum (Paradise for Jews, 1569-1648)’, tells the story of the fate of the Jews in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This time is considered the golden age in the history of Polish Jews. Their self-government (Sejm Czterech Ziem), their role in trade, crafts and printing is shown. The Virtual Library allows you to “read” Hebrew and Yiddish masterpieces, such as the Talmud. You can even print the title page of a 16th century book yourself on a replica printing press! The ‘Town (1648-1772)’ gallery takes us into the world of a typical Jewish town. The main theme is the daily life of Jews in private estates. Their role as tenants of inns or mills from the estate owners. Life centred around the market and the synagogue (or synagogue). We can take a peek into the conventional home, learn about family relationships. In an inn or church, look at Jewish-Christian relations. There is no escape from difficult subjects. There are copies of paintings from Sandomierz accusing an alleged ritual murder. There is also information on the role of Jews in the administration of serfdom. Perhaps the most beautiful is the reconstructed synagogue from Gwoździec. We also learn the story of Israel ben-Eliezer (Baal Shem Tov). His teaching was such an attempt to combine tradition with mysticism. But also an attack on Jewish orthodoxy. “The Challenges of Modernity (1772-1914)” is set in the period of partition. Jews then shared the fate of a divided Poland. You will see portraits of the partitioning rulers. A replica of the throne chair of a Polish king. This gallery shows the attempt to reconcile Jewish separateness with social integration, the ‘Jewish Question’. New religious and political movements. School life. The railway station as a symbol of modernisation. And the industrial revolution. There’s an exhibition about Israel Kalmanowicz Poznański of Lodz. He built a real empire! Also shown is the theme of the exploitation of workers by Jewish factory owners. We see a replica of the non-existent Great Synagogue in Warsaw. There, the Polish language was introduced for services. The modern anti-Semitism that Polish Jews had to face is also shown. The “On a Jewish Street (1914-1939)” gallery covers the time of the Second Polish Republic. Often referred to as the second golden age. A recreated section of the street, inspired by Warsaw’s Nalewki Street. Jewish film and theatre. Literary life (as in the Little Earth café). Rich political activities. “The Holocaust (1939-1945)” – is perhaps the most difficult part. A sad, poignant tale of the Holocaust. About 90% of Polish Jews died then. Much space is devoted to the Warsaw Ghetto, the largest of the ghettos. There are quotes from the Diary of Adam Czerniakow. Stairs with street names lead to the Umschlagplatz. The exhibition shows the decisions of the Wannsee. German extermination camps. Moving moments. A photo of the carousel in Krasiński Square, which Czesław Miłosz described in a poem. The story of Jan Karski. Because of this difficult subject, the Museum allows parents to decide whether children under 12 should visit this gallery. The last gallery, “Postwar (1944 – today)”, shows the fate of the survivors. The dilemmas: to stay or to leave? It tells of the pogroms. About the anti-Semitic campaign in 1968. The Warsaw Gdańska railway station is a symbol of departure. But it also shows the rebuilding of the Jewish community in the Third Polish Republic. The struggles and achievements. Complemented by the “Legacy” gallery, opening in 2019, it presents the achievements of 26 prominent people of Jewish origin. Their contribution to Polish culture, science, art. It proves that the history of Polish Jews is an integral part of Polish history. As a tour guide friend of mine says, without this part, the story of the Jewish people would simply be incomplete.

Technology in the service of history: immersion at your fingertips

Do you know what makes the exhibition at the Polin Museum so amazing and immersive? It’s the masterful use of modern technology, quite simply. History is not just told here through 142 original objects or 210 replicas. But mainly through rich multimedia! More than 200 interactive stations. Audio recordings. Photos, films, computer animations. This makes visitors active participants in the story. We can hear the voices of historical figures. See archive footage. Delve into the details of everyday life through interactive screens. The realisation of such an exhibition, so technically advanced, required, well, an enormous effort. 100 tonnes of steel were used! 1,200 LED lights were installed. 200 kilometres of cables were laid! The control system was created by Polish programmers, which is, I think, worth mentioning. The permanent exhibition was made by the Polish company Nizio Design International (NDI). The concept of the exhibition was developed by the British Event Communications. This collaboration of architects, graphic designers, historians and more than 100 contractors has resulted in a space that uniquely combines substantive depth with a modern form. The museum has also made part of the exhibition available online, which is great for those who cannot come in person. Examples of advancements include the reconstruction of the Gwoździec synagogue or the recreation of Nalewki Street. They use immersive solutions to transport us into the past. The whole thing, with the light, sound and images, creates an unforgettable impression.

What can we find at the exhibition?

The permanent exhibition at the Polin Museum delves deeply into the truly diverse aspects of the life of the Jewish community in Poland over a thousand years. It is the story of how people lived side by side, the challenges, the successes and that unimaginable tragedy that changed the face of this community forever. You learn not only about this “great” history, but also about the intimate details of everyday life, the richness of culture, the complexity of relations with Polish neighbours, and how Jews became politically involved.

We look into everyday life: traditions, customs, religion

The exhibition devotes a lot of space to the everyday life of the Jews. In the “Miasteczko” gallery, you can really feel the rhythm of life in a traditional shtetl. The centre? The market square and the synagogue (synagogue). We learn about how Jews leased inns, mills in private estates. This conventional space of the house provides a glimpse into family and neighbourhood relations, traditions, customs. You can see how deeply religion, Judaism, permeated every aspect of life. From holidays, to learning (school life), to these daily rituals. The thread of tension between tradition and new currents, such as the mysticism of Israel ben-Eliezer (Baal Shem Tov), and those struggles with Jewish orthodoxy – these are important, showing how alive and dynamic the inner community was.

Jewish culture in Poland – was, is, and what next?

For centuries Poland was, and this is worth emphasising, one of the most important centres of Jewish culture in the world. The exhibition shows this. From the beginnings of printing in Kraków and Lublin, through the wealth of Hebrew and Yiddish literature (this Virtual Library, where you can “read” the Talmud, is great!), to the vibrant artistic life of cities in the Second Polish Republic. The “Na Żydowskiej ulicy” gallery takes us into the world of Jewish cinema, theatre and literary life in cafes (who hasn’t heard of Mala Ziemiańska in Warsaw?). The exhibition also shows the contribution of Jews to Polish culture, science and art. It emphasises how much they enriched our Polish heritage. The Heritage Gallery particularly highlights these 26 outstanding figures of Jewish origin. They have been successful in so many different fields – from art to politics. All of this shows that this history is ours to share.

Jews in Polish politics and society

The history of Polish Jews is also, to say the least, the history of their active participation in social and political life. Whether in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, later under the partitions, or in the reborn Poland. The exhibition shows that there was, after all, Jewish self-government (Sejm Czterech Ziem). It shows the relationship with the rulers who, as early as the 13th century, guaranteed the Jews security, personal freedom and freedom of religion. It shows how Jews measured up to modernity during the Partitions. These were times of searching for new ways, struggling with the ‘Jewish question’. The “On the Jewish Street” gallery shows how rich Jewish political life was in the Second Republic. The variety of parties, movements… Although the exhibition does not escape from difficult topics – anti-Semitism, pogroms. But it shows this full, complex picture of relations. It even reaches back to medieval accusations of ritual murder (copies of paintings from Sandomierz). It also shows the role in the industrial revolution (Israel Kalmanowicz Poznanski in Lodz), but, just as importantly, the subject of the exploitation of workers by Jewish factory owners. In fact, it shows a whole cross-section of life.

The Holocaust – an unimaginable tragedy

The Holocaust gallery is, I admit frankly, the strongest and most shocking part of the exhibition. It is a story that is both substantive and deeply moving. It is about the unimaginable tragedy of the Holocaust. It recalls how some 90% of Poland’s 3.3 million Jews were annihilated. The exhibition shows how the Germans turned city districts into ghettos. The Warsaw Ghetto was, after all, the largest. It documents everyday life and this terrible annihilation. Among other things, it quotes from Adam Czerniakow’s Diary and Emanuel Ringelblum’s Warsaw Ghetto Chronicle. These stairs, leading down to the Umschlagplatz, are a symbolic gesture. The exhibition depicts the decisions on the “final solution” from the Wannsee Conference. The establishment of the German extermination camps. It also bears witness to the heroism of those who tried to alert the world. Like Jan Karski. He went to Britain to tell of the extermination. The exhibition also does not shy away from indifference and those painful moments. Like the photo of the merry-go-round in Krasiński Square that Miłosz wrote about. This part is a powerful memento. And a warning for all of us, for future generations.

What happened next? The post-war fate of the Jews

The last gallery, ‘Postwar’, continues this difficult tale of the fate of Holocaust survivors in Poland. It shows their dilemmas. To stay or to leave a country that experienced such a tragedy? It talks about the post-war pogroms. In Kielce, Krakow, Rzeszow. They prompted many to emigrate. Particularly moving is the story of the anti-Semitic campaign in March 1968. The communist authorities then forced thousands of Jews to leave. The Warszawa Gdańska railway station then became a symbol of these forced separations. Despite all these hardships, the exhibition also shows those who stayed. And they tried to rebuild Jewish life in the Third Polish Republic. It documents their actions. For the preservation of memory. For the creation of a new, albeit much smaller, community.

The Museum’s collection – more than just an exhibition

The collections of the Polin Museum are not only what can be seen in the permanent exhibition. It is much more than that. It is a rich collection. Of tangible and intangible things. And it is still growing. The Museum actively works to save the traces of Jewish presence in Poland. It collects and documents. It provides knowledge about the history and culture of Polish Jews.

What can you see in the collection?

The collection of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews includes valuable Judaica – objects connected with religion and everyday life. But also works of art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Contemporary photography. Artists include such names as Marek Szwarc, Ewa Kuryluk, Elżbieta Nadel, Wilhelm Sasnal, Jadwiga Sawicka. Also Rafał Jakubowicz, Artur Żmijewski, Hubert Czerepok (art). And Tadeusz Rolke, Krzysztof Gierałtowski, Agnieszka Traczewska, Wojciech Wilczyk (photography). There are also the results of archaeological work from Muranów. They uncover material traces of the past. The museum has also received mementos of prominent figures. Like Irena Sendler. Who was honoured with honorary citizenship of Israel and Otwock. These are priceless keepsakes.

Digital treasures – knowledge at your fingertips

The Polin Museum is also developing its digital collections, which is great. It makes knowledge accessible to a wide audience. A key tool? The Virtual Shtetl portal. It operates under the auspices of the Museum. It documents tangible and intangible heritage. Especially that local Jewish history in small towns. It cooperates with important institutions. With the Jewish Historical Institute. The Holocaust Museum in Washington. The Yad Vashem Institute. And with regional cultural institutions. The second important project is the Polish Righteous portal. It restores the memory of Poles who saved Jews during the Holocaust. It documents the stories of those who risked their lives. The portal uses, among other things, biographical interviews from the Museum’s collections. The Museum also collects and makes available oral history collections from the war. related to the fate of Polish Jews. Thanks to the provision of resources by the USC Shoah Foundation. The Historical Information Centre manages the genealogical resource. Cooperation with the Jewish Historical Institute, the oldest Jewish scholarly organisation in Poland, is crucial. They have a rich archive – photos, audio-visual material, Holocaust documents. There is also the ‘Neighbours’ project. Supported by European Funds and the Kingdom of Norway. It is to develop the Museum’s portals. To collect, digitise, make available documentation about Jewish heritage and Polish-Jewish history. A lot is happening in this sphere!

Education and culture at Polin Museum – something for everyone

The Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews is, and this is worth emphasising, not just an exhibition hall. It is a dynamic centre. A cultural and educational centre. Its activities go far beyond these walls. It engages in a multitude of projects. All of this is to popularise knowledge of Jewish history and culture. But also to build dialogue and mutual understanding. The Museum devotes many resources to education. This is possible, among other things, thanks to support from the Norwegian Financial Mechanism and the EEA.

We teach and inspire: programmes, workshops, actions.

Education is a really important pillar of the Museum. The offer is for everyone. For children, for young people. For teachers. For specialists. They have a programme called “Jewish Cultural Heritage. Under the slogan “To protect memory and shape the future”. The aim is clear: to protect and popularise the heritage of Polish Jews. To create a network of cooperation. In Poland, in Norway, in Europe. For educators, local government leaders. The museum has implemented innovative projects. “Museum in a Box. Film series and conference “Personal stories”. They organise workshops. Museum lessons. City games. All this in such a way as to make history attractive. A special role? The mobile exhibition “Museum on wheels”. Reaches smaller towns and cities all over Poland! Increases knowledge of local Jewish history. Collaborate with the Falstad Centre in Ekne, the Wergeland Centre in Oslo. As part of ‘Let’s meet at the Museum’. With the Holocaust Research Centre as part of ‘Faces of Diversity’. This reinforces this international dimension of education.

The museum is alive! Cultural events and exhibitions

The Polin Museum is a place that is vibrant. A cultural centre. It organises a multitude of events. They attract people from everywhere. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are regular temporary exhibitions. Devoted to various topics. On Jewish history and culture. They meet with acclaim. The Sybil-awarded exhibitions: “Frank Stella and the synagogues of old Poland”, “In hiding”, “In King Maciuś’s Poland”. Distinguished “Warsaw, Warsze”. Concerts are held here. Spectacles. Film screenings. Meetings with authors. Lectures, seminars. Discussion panels. The Museum organises festivals! TISZ Festival of Jewish Food. Awarded the Europa Nostra Prize. An important, recognisable action? The annual, socio-educational “Daffodils” action. It commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. It began in 2013. Volunteers distribute paper daffodils in Warsaw. A symbol of remembrance of the heroes. The campaign is supported by well-known Ambassadors of Polish culture. Andrzej Seweryn, Maja Ostaszewska, Irena Santor, Mariusz Szczygieł. Agata Kulesza, Dawid Ogrodnik, Wanda Traczyk-Stawska, Dawid Podsiadło, Kayah, Krzysztof Zalewski, Bartek Gelner, Grupa Granica, Ralph Kaminski. Summer at the Museum? It’s “POLIN on the Meadow”. Summer events, the open-air exhibition “Full of them nowhere. Recalling the memory of Polish Jews in the urban space”. The Museum’s activities are supported by the Volunteer Centre. Since 2013 (beginning of the “Daffodils” campaign). It works with hundreds of people. Permanently supports more than 120 volunteers. Impressive places and people.

Polin Museum and others – cooperation pays off

The success of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews is largely due to its unique structure. And its extensive cooperation. With other institutions. In Poland and abroad. It is a great example of synergy. Between the public sector. The private sector. Non-governmental organisations.

Together means more: partners in Poland and abroad

The Museum is a joint cultural institution. Created and run by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The City of Warsaw. The Association of the Jewish Historical Institute of Poland. This trilateral cooperation? It is the foundation of operations. An important body is the Museum Council. Representatives of science, culture, social life sit on it. Michał Bilewicz, Barbara Engelking, Artur Hofman, Małgorzata Niezabitowska. And in the past such personalities as Władysław Bartoszewski, Marek Edelman, Marian Turski, Feliks Tych. Despite the controversy surrounding the selection of the director in 2019. The institution is working. The activities and development are supported by the Council of Donors. And Distinguished Donors. They were involved in the founding campaign of the Jewish Historical Institute (1993-2014). Cooperation with the Jewish Historical Institute? Crucial. Gives access to archives and collections. In the international arena? Collaborate with the Falstad and Wergeland Centre in Norway. Centre for Holocaust Research. They carry out joint educational projects. As part of the ‘Jewish Cultural Heritage. Making the exhibition available online is another example of global outreach.

Polin in the network of world museums – appreciated!

The Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews has gained recognition around the world. It has become an important part of a global network of museums. And a memory institution. It has received prestigious European awards. European Museum of the Year Award 2016! The European Museum Academy Prize. The Europa Nostra Prize. For education and the TISZ Festival. It has also been awarded many times in Poland. For exhibitions, education. Distinctions in the Sybil competition. For permanent exhibition, “In hiding”, Virtual Shtetl, “Daffodils”, “In King Maciuś’s Poland”. Awards “Mazovian Museum Events – WIERZBA”. For ‘Warszawa, Warsze’, publishing, ‘Leśmian’s Meadow’, ‘Wilhelm Sasnal: Such a Landscape’, ‘Museum in a Box’, ‘Personal Stories’. These awards show. The high quality of the Museum’s work. Its important position. In the world of museology. Its emphasis on cooperation. Building bridges. Dialogue. It engages in projects with partners from Europe and the world. Becomes an important voice. In the global discussion about history, memory, tolerance. And after all, it is so important nowadays.

How to get to the Polin Museum in Warsaw?

Getting to the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw is, let’s face it, really easy. Regardless of whether you are going by public transport or by car. Its location in the centre, in Muranów, ensures easy access.

By bus, tram, metro – take your pick!

The museum is well connected. If you choose to take the bus, you can take lines 111 or 180 and get off at the Nalewki Museum stop. It is only about 200 metres from the entrance. For those who prefer trams, there are several options. Lines 18, 15, 35 go to the Muranów stop. This is about 500 metres away. On the other hand, lines 17, 33, 37, 41 go to the Anielewicza stop. Also about 500 metres away. If you prefer the metro, the nearest station is Arsenal Town Hall. From there it is about a kilometre on foot to the Museum. Or a short tram or bus ride away. From Central Station? The easiest way is to take tram lines 17, 33, 37 or 41 towards Żoliborz. Stop Anielewicza. Communication from Chopin Airport is also possible. Bus 175 goes straight to the centre, you just need to change to a tram or bus to the Museum. Bus 188 requires a change in the GUS area. So it is possible to get there, you just have to think for a while which line to choose.

By car – it is a bit more difficult

Getting to the Museum by car is of course possible, although parking in the immediate vicinity of the Museum is, to put it bluntly, limited. It is worth checking in advance if there are spaces in the Muranów area. Or use the nearby public or private car parks. And remember the paid parking zone in the centre of Warsaw. If you are prepared to search for a space and potentially spend some money on parking, this is an option.

Polin Museum: memory and the future

A visit to the Polin Museum of the History of Polish Jews is, as I mentioned, much more than a history lesson – it’s a truly profound experience. It makes you think. It teaches empathy. It’s a place with great sensitivity. And with substantive precision. Restores the memory of the Jews. About those thousand years of their presence. Of co-creating Polish culture and history. And about the unimaginable tragedy of the Holocaust. Which, needless to say, caused a rupture in their history on Polish soil. Situated opposite the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes, the Museum is a symbolic bridge. Between the past and the present. Remembering the gesture of Willy Brandt, who knelt down in 1970. Apologising on behalf of Germany. We can see how important it is to face a difficult history. Eight galleries? It’s a journey. From the 13th-century royal statute. It guaranteed security for the Jews. Through the Golden Age. The Colourful Town. With the reconstruction of the Gwoździec synagogue! Right up to the tragic Holocaust. And the difficult post-war fate. The Polin Museum. With its modern form. And rich educational activities. Cultural. It is becoming a platform for dialogue. Of understanding. A place where history teaches us about the present. And the future. Its mission – to preserve memory, to shape the future – is extremely important. In this modern world. It teaches respect for diversity. It builds bridges. Between people and cultures. I will certainly return to the Polin Museum again. Because together with the Warsaw Rising Museum, it is, in my personal opinion, the best museum in Poland. It is a place that simply everyone should visit.