“The Museum of Polish History was the dream and idea of President Lech Kaczyński”, said President Andrzej Duda on Thursday 28 September during the inauguration of the Museum of Polish History in Warsaw. He pointed out that the museum was established in an extremely important and symbolic place from the point of view of Polish history – on the grounds of the Warsaw Citadel.

The Warsaw Citadel was built by order of Tsar Nicholas I after the suppression of the November Uprising. It was intended to strengthen the control of the Russian authorities over the city and to force the Poles to obey. In addition to a garrison of tsarist troops, it housed a heavy detention centre where thousands of Polish national activists and revolutionaries were held and executed.

In addition to President Duda, the ceremonial inauguration of the Museum was attended by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński and Minister of Culture and National Heritage Piotr Gliński.

“History is not only a teacher of life, but a truly told history, especially Polish history, is not only a reason to be proud, but above all it is a weapon to fight for a strong Poland”, said Prime Minister Morawiecki. “Not only do we have nothing to be ashamed of, but it is also one of the most beautiful national histories in the world. And the construction of this magnificent edifice at the same time proves that we are on the path to victory, to rebuilding the proper role of the Polish Republic on the map of Europe, on the map of the world”, added the head of the Polish government.

The grounds, which until now were a closed area, became available to visitors. More than 30 hectares, located in the southern part of Warsaw’s Żoliborz district, have been planned not only as a museum space, but also as a place of recreation and leisure for Warsaw residents. The Warsaw Citadel is thus becoming one of the largest and most modern museum complexes in Europe. The Citadel already houses the Museum of the Polish Army, the 10th Pavilion Museum and the Katyn Museum.

Adrian Andrzejewski