Gdy bracia się waśnią… A Critical Reflection on the May Coup of 1926: Centennial Exhibition

This outdoor exhibition critically reflects on the May Coup of 1926, marking its 100th anniversary. It explores the events that led to the armed confrontation between Józef Piłsudski's forces and the legal government, delving into the personal and political drama of former friends turned adversaries.

The exhibition 'Gdy bracia się waśnią…' (When brothers quarrel…) commemorates the 100th anniversary of the May Coup of 1926 with a critical reflection on its causes and consequences. The exhibition centers on the armed confrontation between Józef Piłsudski's supporters and the legal authorities, highlighting it not just as a political conflict but also as a personal tragedy for individuals who were once allies in the struggle for Polish independence. The exhibition traces the shared past of Piłsudski and President Stanisław Wojciechowski within the socialist movement and the rebuilding of Poland after 1918. It illustrates the deepening political, social, and economic crises of the young republic, marked by unstable governments, national tensions, poverty, and a fragmented parliament. The title's reference to Piłsudski's words underscores the event as a profound societal schism. It examines the broader European context of post-war democratic crises and the rise of authoritarian tendencies, while focusing on Poland's unique experience of regaining independence and deep societal divisions. Central to the exhibition are questions about responsibility for the state: whether Piłsudski's actions aimed to save the nation or initiated the departure from parliamentary democracy. It presents arguments from both sides, exploring the tension between the need for strong governance and the defense of legal order, critique of parliamentary weaknesses, and commitment to upholding the law. Consisting of over a dozen panels featuring archival documents, press clippings, photographs, and quotes from participants, the exhibition follows a thematic and chronological structure. It details the fighting in Warsaw, its human and material costs, and long-term political and systemic changes. The exhibition also includes personal stories of soldiers, politicians, and civilians involved, adding an intimate dimension to the historical narrative. Ultimately, 'Gdy bracia się waśnią…' invites reflection on contemporary issues, as questions about the limits of power, elite responsibility, and the state of democracy remain relevant, echoing past mechanisms of societal polarization and institutional distrust.

This is an outdoor exhibition. Information about specific ticketing for related events within the History Meeting House (DSH) should be sought directly from the venue. The exhibition itself appears to be freely accessible in public spaces on specified dates and locations in Warsaw and Sulejówek. The exhibition was co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage and partnered with DSH and the weekly 'Polityka'. Further details regarding admission for associated debates or other museum events can be found on the official website. Visitors are encouraged to check the venue's official channels for the most current information regarding access and any associated costs for specific programming elements beyond the outdoor display itself. The exhibition is part of a larger project "State in Crisis – critical reflection on the May Coup on the 100th anniversary of the events". (Please note: Specific ticketing information is not detailed on the provided page, but it is an outdoor exhibition with associated events. The dates provided are for viewing the exhibition panels.)