To nie jest moja historia: Childhood Trauma & Survival Exhibition at the Museum of Warsaw

This exhibition explores the harms experienced by children and the defense mechanisms they employ to survive. Featuring works by several artists, it delves into themes of growing up in poverty, emotional neglect, and sexual violence, highlighting how childhood, often perceived as carefree, can be fraught with suffering.

The exhibition 'To nie jest moja historia' ('This is not my story') confronts the difficult realities of childhood suffering and the coping mechanisms developed by children. Artists, some drawing from personal trauma, address themes of growing up in poverty, emotional neglect, mockery, sexual violence, fear, and the search for emotional support within fantasy worlds. They creatively reinterpret childhood aesthetics such as toys, furniture, and secret hiding places, illustrating that childhood is not always a period of unadulterated joy but can be marked by violence, humiliation, and neglect. The exhibition features artists Bolesław Chromry, Agata Jarosławiec, Weronika Perłowska, Patryk Różycki, and Sebulec. Inspired by Walter Benjamin's concept of childhood as a critical phase of personality formation and preparation for an unknown future, the exhibition also includes a special tour related to his 'Berlin Childhood around 1900'. This tour draws parallels between Benjamin's historical Berlin and the museum's collection from Warsaw, offering a multi-layered reflection on the universal aspects of his thoughts. The exhibition is intended for adults and critically examines themes of bodily trauma, transgenerational trauma, emotional paralysis, poverty, and the cultural suppression of female anger, often drawing on personal experiences and challenging societal norms.

Admission is 1 PLN, with free entry on Thursdays. A 'Buy Ticket' link is provided, directing visitors to the museum's ticketing portal. The exhibition is intended for adults.