Permanent exposition
Currently there are three permanent expositions:

Polonia Restituta
for independence and borders
1914-1921


The shots in Sarajevo fired against archduke Ferdinand Habsburg in Summer 1914 became the signal to begin the big World War. World power countries prepared themselves to such operation for a long time. At that time Polish land was divided between three foreign rulers, who started to fight against each other. Poles were forced to join foreign armies and had to battle against each other. Despite the tragic situation of Poland everyone believed that the War would be a chance for changing the power structure in Europe and that everyone should join the battle to regain independence for Poland in any way they could.
Just before the War there were many political parties representing both independence options and the tendency to unify with Russia, liberated after the revolution from self-lease system into economy system. The party Liga Narodowa (National League) proclaimed an independence programme till the end of 19th century. The party had a political agenda called Stronnictwo Narodowo-Demokratyczne (National Democratic Party) with Roman Dmowski as its leader. The programme contained restitution of independent Poland in accordance with an alliance with Russia and western countries supporting Russia. According to that concept the future country should have included beside the land from the German annexed territory and also the Gdańsk Pomerania and Silesia - which was seen by the western politicians as ethnic German land.
An independence option was also presented by the Polish Socialist Party - the political background of Józef Piłsudski, who saw Russia as the main enemy of independent Poland. Due to that he wanted to enter an alliance with the Germans and with the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Further history concerning the battle for independent Poland was mainly competition between the two main parties and between two brave statesmen: Dmowski and Piłsudski. Dmowski was the one to introduce the Polish case on the international arena and also bargain the most convenient conditions of the restitution of the Polish country in the Treaty of Versailles. The Polish Military Organisation and the Legions organized thanks to the energy of Piłsudski created fair acompli by driving away foreign rulers even before the arrangements set on the Peace Conference.
The end of the War and nominal foundation of independent Poland had been just the beginning of strengthening its independence and setting convenient borders.



"White Eagle forever"
Historical aspect of the emblem and coat of arms of the Polish country




The exposition presents the history of the White Eagle. There were many changes made in the emblem and coat of arms - and it is surely a very important part of the Nation's history. Depending on trends in the era the Eagle had various looks. Due to political changes elements had been added or taken away from the Eagle. The emblem of the Republic of Poland was presented together with other coat of arms, what proofed a close connection between Poland and Europe. The story about the White Eagle and its several metamorphoses is a beautiful and colourful history of Poland.
The exhibition presents pictures of the most impressive and precious monuments introducing the White Eagle alone and in the company of other coat of arms. These are artefacts stored in over fifty Polish and foreign institutions. Examples of those artefacts: coins, drawing, miniature, paintings, tapestry, medals, posters, and many more objects were you can find the sign of the White Eagle.
One of the most interesting attractions is the colourful reproduction of the painting by Jan Matejko "Śmierć Przemysława w Rogoźnie" (Przemysław's Death in Rogożno) (1875). This painting was presented to Polish audience only in black-and-white. It shows an artistic visions of the last battle of King Przemysław II, who for the first time used the sign of the White Eagle as the emblem of Poland (1295).
The exhibition presents also the collection of the Museum of Independence, where you can find: flags, medals, military eagles, patriotic jewellery, personal souvenirs from donors. All with the White Eagle sign.
The whole exposition is divided into nineteen parts, showing in chronological order the development of the White Eagle sign concerning its functions, look and image.
The story about the White Eagle sign is combined also with the history of other signs: the national anthem "Mazurek Dąbrowskiego" and the national colours.
The exhibition is meant for a wide range of audience. It is a part of the national history that should interest both adults and children.



So as to Poland be Poland
the history of the Opposition in PRL (Polish People's Republic)
1945-1989



The exhibition presents the activities of the Polish independence environment trying to achieve restitution of Polish sovereign country from after the War in 1945 till the foundation of the Third Republic of Poland in 1989. The defeat of the Hitler's occupation and then the Soviet, treason of Western allies, who agreed to leave Poland in the zone of Soviet dominance stirred indignation, protests and active counteraction among Poles with high level of national awareness. These were Polish people living abroad, persons who decided not return to communist Poland, as Jerzy Giedroyc, editor of the magazine "Kultura" issued in Paris, main figure among Maisons - Laffitte, or Zdzisław Jeziorański, known as Jan Nowak, organizer and first Director of the Polish Radio "Wolna Europa" (Free Europe). In the woods partisans were operating while the country was dominated by the Stalin Terror. After the partisan groups defeated main passive resistance came from the Catholic Church and Primate Stefan Wyszyński and the society of Polish Catholics concentrated in Clubs of Polish Catholic Intelligence. Active conspiracy started in 60ies when first illegal organisations had been found. That was the time when "Solidarność" was established. Despite of many social movements fighting against the regime, there was no chance to avoid martial law introduced in December 1981. Conducive international situation and determination of Polish independence society led to discontinuance of the political Soviet dominance and to foundation of the Third Republic of Poland.