Museum of Polish Diplomacy and Refugees in Bydgoszcz
- Damian Brzeski
- Sep 27
- 8 min read
You know that feeling when you discover a place so fascinating that you immediately want to tell the whole world about it? A place that, though inconspicuous from the outside, pulsates inside with stories of grand politics, personal dramas, and the indomitable spirit of humanity?
The Museum of Polish Diplomacy and Refugees is just such a treasure, hidden in the heart of Bydgoszcz.
Forget dusty display cases. This is a true portal to a world where Poland's fate was decided in the privacy of offices in Paris, London, and Rio de Janeiro.
I invite you on a journey into the interior of a charming villa on Berwińskiego Street, where the entire universe of 20th-century Polish history is contained in a small space – told from a perspective that is hard to find in textbooks .
Prepare to meet people who, in the darkest times, on foreign soil, carried the burden of the entire homeland on their shoulders.
The history of the museum's creation and mission
Every great work has a beginning, and the history of the Bydgoszcz museum is as extraordinary as its collections. The origins of this institution lie not in a ministerial decision, but in the power of personal memory and the need to preserve a heritage that for decades was doomed to oblivion.
The establishment and role of the University of Casimir the Great
It all began with an extraordinary gesture – a gift of heart and patriotism from Wanda Poznańska, née Dmowska (1898–2003) . She was the wife of Dr. Karol Poznański, the last Consul General of the Second Polish Republic in London .
After decades spent in exile, the Consul decided to donate her priceless family archives to a Polish university. Thanks to the efforts of historian Professor Adam Sudoł, the choice fell on the then-Pedagogical University of Bydgoszcz.
The first gift arrived in Bydgoszcz in 1997, and the next in 2013, after Wanda Poznańska's death. This private act was met with an immediate and visionary response.
Just a year later, the Bydgoszcz City Council, recognizing the historical importance of the collection, decided to donate a historic villa at 4 Ryszard Berwińskiego Street for its use. The facility was officially inaugurated at the turn of 1998 and 1999.
What is extremely important, from the beginning of its existence the museum has been an integral scientific and research unit of the Kazimierz Wielki University (UKW) , functioning within the structures of the Faculty of History.
This fusion of the academic world with the museum's mission is key to understanding its character. Its purpose is not only to exhibit its collections but also to actively develop them, conduct scientific research , and engage in broad educational activities.
The facility is unique in Poland and Europe
You must know that when you cross the threshold of the museum on Berwińskiego Street, you enter an absolutely unique place.
It is the only institution in Poland, and according to its curators – the only one in the world , that collects and makes available in such a comprehensive way collections relating to the history of the Polish foreign service and the history of political exile after 1918.
This uniqueness is not simply a matter of the selection of exhibits. For nearly half a century, during the People's Republic of Poland, the history of the Polish Government in Exile and the fate of the independence emigrants were a taboo, marginalized, or distorted topic in the country .
Souvenirs, documents and artifacts testifying to the continuity of the Polish state in the West have survived only thanks to the diligence of private individuals.
The establishment of this museum in a free Poland was a symbolic return of this history home . Therefore, a visit here is not just a history lesson. It is an act of participation in the process of historical justice.
The main thematic areas of the museum
The exhibition guides visitors through three inextricably intertwined stories that together create the tragic and heroic saga of Polish statehood in the 20th century.
The history of Polish diplomacy after 1918
The first part of the narrative takes us back to the Second Polish Republic. The museum's collections allow us to experience the atmosphere of those years.
Here you will find material evidence of the development of Polish foreign policy, such as a copy of the Treaty of Riga from 1921 , which shaped the eastern border of the reborn state.
The interwar photographs are extremely valuable as they show not only official duties but also the private lives of the employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Polish Government in Exile and its legacy
It is the history of the Polish Government in Exile that lies at the heart of the museum's narrative. Here, you can see personal letters written by General Helena Sikorska and President Władysław Raczkiewicz .
A unique experience is the opportunity to hear the original recordings of the speeches of General Władysław Anders , commander of the 2nd Polish Corps.
The museum also documents political disputes and party activities in exile, preserving the archives of the Polish People's Party, including notes and correspondence of Prime Minister Stanisław Mikołajczyk .
Polonia and the fate of Polish emigrants
The third thematic pillar tells the story of those who, after the war, were unable or unwilling to return to communist-ruled Poland. Their fates are illustrated in the museum's extraordinary gallery of uniforms.
Here you'll see unique British batteldresses worn by General Anders' soldiers from 1943 to 1947. Alongside them are the uniforms of the Polish Army Veterans Association of America.
These garments are more than just fabric and buttons. They are a symbol of the fight for freedom that, for their owners, ended with a life in exile.
The most valuable collections and exhibits
A visit to the Museum of Diplomacy is a feast for the senses and the intellect. Every object has its own story, and some are absolutely unique.
The Poznański Family Archive as the foundation of the collection
It all started with them. The Poznańskis' gift is an incredibly rich collection. It includes thousands of archival documents, unique manuscripts, and priceless photographs.
But that's not all. Wanda Poznańska also donated the university's home furnishings, which allow visitors to literally enter the world of the pre-war diplomat .
Here you can admire elegant furniture, silver tableware and services from the most distinguished European porcelain factories.
The Silence Cabin and other unique facilities
Amidst the elegant furniture and valuable documents lies an object that looks like a prop from a spy movie. This is the so-called "silence cabin" – one of the most intriguing exhibits in Poland .
This small Plexiglas room, weighing 2 tons, was used by employees of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Cologne to conduct top secret talks for over 40 years.
In 2014 it was handed over to the museum and is today the only facility of its kind in Europe in civilian hands .
The collection titled "Gifts in the World of Diplomacy" is quite different in nature. It is constantly enriched with gifts from active Polish diplomats and presents official gifts they receive during foreign missions – from exotic sculptures to original, unopened cigars from Honduras .
Works of art and personal memorabilia of diplomats
The museum also boasts an excellent collection of works of art. Among its artists are some of the greatest names: Olga Boznańska, Julian Fałat, Stanisław Wyspiański, Leon Wyczółkowski, Teodor Axentowicz, and Feliks Topolski .
However, it's often the smallest, most personal objects that make the greatest impression. One such moving exhibit is a porcelain set from the home of General Władysław and Helena Sikorski , given to Wanda Poznańska after the general's tragic death.
Outstanding figures associated with the museum
The museum is, above all, a story about people.
Wanda Poznańska née Dmowska and Karol Poznański
They are the spiritual patrons of this place. Dr. Karol Poznański (1893–1971) was an outstanding lawyer and diplomat .
His wife, Wanda Poznańska (1898–2003), was not only his lifelong companion but also an active Polish activist and patriot . It is to her extraordinary determination that we owe the preservation of this priceless legacy.
Józef Beck, Władysław Anders and other heroes of exile
Although the collection lacks personal memorabilia of Józef Beck, his figure is an integral part of the story.
The central figure here is General Władysław Anders , and through preserved correspondence we can get closer to figures such as President Władysław Raczkiewicz and Prime Ministers Władysław Sikorski and Stanisław Mikołajczyk .
Artists in the collection: Stefan Mrożewski, Olga Boznańska, Mariusz Kałdowski
The art collection allows you to encounter outstanding artists. Among the collections you'll find the dark and expressive graphics of Stefan Mrożewski .
The jewels of the collection are the paintings of Olga Boznańska . An interesting addition is the work of Mariusz Kałdowski and his series of portraits, "Panorama of Perfect Time," immortalizing the faces of prominent figures in Polish emigration, including Ryszard Kaczorowski , the last president of Poland in exile.
Exhibitions and exhibition activities
The museum is a living institution that constantly engages its visitors.
Permanent exhibitions devoted to diplomacy and exile
The core of the museum's activities are two permanent exhibitions: "The History of Polish Diplomacy after 1918" and "The History of Polish Exile after 1918." Both exhibitions, based primarily on the priceless Poznański Family Archive, guide visitors through the twists and turns of 20th-century Polish history.
Temporary exhibitions and artistic projects
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that allow for deeper exploration of specific themes or the presentation of valuable new acquisitions. This ensures that each visit to the museum can bring new discoveries.
Participation in the European Night of Museums
Once a year, during the European Night of Museums , the villa on Berwińskiego Street is truly besieged. It's a unique opportunity to explore the museum in a unique, nocturnal atmosphere. The museum's doors are open to visitors from 6:00 PM until midnight .
Education and scientific cooperation
As a university institution, the museum attaches great importance to its educational and research mission.
Educational programs and offers for students
The museum is open to everyone. Classes and workshops are held here, for example, on diplomatic protocol and etiquette. It is an invaluable resource for students and academics, as researchers can access the museum's extensive archival resources .
Cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other institutions
Cooperation with the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is crucial. The Ministry has assumed honorary patronage over the mission's activities, which has resulted in an influx of further gifts from Polish diplomats.
It was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that donated the unique silence cabin to the museum. This collaboration represents a symbolic bridge connecting the diplomatic traditions of the Second Polish Republic with the contemporary Polish Foreign Service.
Planning your visit and practical information for visitors
I hope this story has piqued your curiosity and you're already planning your visit. Below, you'll find all the information you need to help you organize your trip.
Location, opening hours and tickets
The museum is housed in a charming villa in the center of Bydgoszcz. It's open weekdays. And here's the best news: both admission and guided tours are completely free , a unique experience and a testament to this institution's public mission.
Possibilities of sightseeing and guided tours
Each visitor, both individual and group, can count on a guided tour by a competent guide who passionately talks about the collections and the stories behind them.
The tour is available in Polish and English . Organized groups are asked to contact us in advance.
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