Museum of the Polish State Origins in Gniezno

In the heart of Gniezno, Poland, lies a treasure trove of history and culture: the Museum of the Polish State Origins in Gniezno (Muzeum Początków Państwa Polskiego w Gnieźnie). This remarkable institution is dedicated to the early history of the Polish state, offering visitors a unique and immersive journey through the ancient roots of Poland. With an extensive collection of over 17,000 exhibits, it stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Polish people.

The Origins and History of the Museum

The inception of the Museum of the Polish State Origins in Gniezno is closely tied to the archaeological excavations that began in 1948. These excavations aimed to uncover scientific evidence of the early Polish state and its first capital, Gniezno. The museum was initially established in 1956 as a branch of the Archaeological Museum in Poznań. However, it wasn't until 1966, during the celebrations of Poland's millennium, that the museum's scope was significantly expanded. A new building was constructed, and by 1973, the museum became independent from the Archaeological Museum in Poznań. The modern museum building, located at Józefa Kostrzewskiego Street, officially opened its permanent exhibition in March 1983, adopting its current name.

Permanent Exhibitions: A Journey Through Time

The Origins of the Polish State

One of the museum's most captivating exhibitions is The Origins of the Polish State (Początków Państwa Polskiego). This exhibition, which opened on April 12, 2012, is dedicated to the history of Poland during the Piast dynasty. It is divided into three main modules: The State, The Sources, and The Culture. The exhibition employs multimedia presentations, including 3D films, to enhance the visitor experience. The main focus of this exhibition is on Greater Poland as the cradle of the Polish state, with a special emphasis on Gniezno as the first capital. Key historical events are presented through texts from important chroniclers like Thietmar of Merseburg and Gallus Anonymus, as well as through the relationships between historical figures such as Mieszko I, Bolesław I Chrobry, St. Adalbert, and Emperor Otto III.

One of the most valuable exhibits in this section is the original defensive wall that surrounded Gniezno's first settlement on Lech Hill. The reconstruction of this wall was made exclusively with original materials discovered during the 1948-1953 archaeological excavations led by Professor Kazimierz Żurowski. The exhibition also explores the Christianization of Poland and the role of the Roman Catholic Church in the culture and art of the early Middle Ages. A film featuring an animated reconstruction of the destroyed Romanesque Archcathedral of Gniezno is also part of this exhibition.

Gniezno in the Past Centuries

The Gniezno in the Past Centuries (Gniezno w dawnych wiekach) exhibition presents the history of Gniezno and its region from its beginnings until 1819, when the city was devastated by a fire. This exhibition is the result of years of meticulous work by the museum, which has amassed a significant archaeological collection as well as historical and artistic artifacts. Among the approximately 190 archaeological exhibits and 40 historical antiques are fragments of the original floor of the destroyed Romanesque Archcathedral of Gniezno, copies of important manuscripts and documents related to the city, miniature models of Gniezno from the 11th century, and a collection of stove tiles with relief decorations from the Gothic and Renaissance periods.

Weapons in Old Poland

The Weapons in Old Poland (Broń w dawnej Polsce) exhibition showcases various forms of weaponry used in Poland from the 10th to the 18th century. One of the highlights of this exhibition is a replica of the Szczerbiec, the notched sword, which is the most important Polish crown jewel and the only surviving coronation insignia of the Piast dynasty. The original Szczerbiec is housed in the treasury of Wawel Castle in Kraków.

The Painted History of the Piasts

The Painted History of the Piasts (Piastów malowane dzieje) exhibition features a collection of 19th-century oil paintings depicting historical and legendary events associated with the first Polish royal dynasty, the Piasts. The Piasts united the Polans in the 10th century, and the conversion to Christianity under Mieszko I in 966 led to the formation of the Polish state. The exhibition includes paintings by Józef Peszka, Aleksander Lesser, Wojciech Gerson, and Witold Pruszkowski, reflecting the historical consciousness of Polish painters in the 19th century and their artistic vision of Poland's tumultuous history under the Piast rulers.

Special Exhibitions

Throughout its history, the Museum of the Polish State Origins in Gniezno has organized numerous special exhibitions showcasing artifacts from various historical periods, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Notable exhibitions include Gniezno - the First Capital of Poland, the City of St. Adalbert (1994), Jan Matejko - the Historian of Poland (1981), and Gniezno Through the Centuries (1982). In 2003, the museum held a special exhibition on Gothic and Renaissance stove tiles, featuring tiles discovered during excavations near Lech Hill. Another significant exhibition, Ars Scribendi, held in 2008, focused on the art of writing in medieval Poland and brought together 121 works of European script art, including illuminated manuscripts and important historical documents.

The Museum of the Polish State Origins in Gniezno is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich history and culture of Poland. Its extensive collections, engaging exhibitions, and dedication to preserving and presenting Poland's early history make it a fascinating and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual tourist, the museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the roots of the Polish state and gain a deeper understanding of the nation's heritage.