Wybielanie: Confronting Colonial Legacies and Ethnographic History at the National Museum of Ethnography in Warsaw

The temporary exhibition 'Wybielanie' offers a self-critical look at the museum's past, addressing colonial patterns and the myth of 'colonial innocence' in Central and Eastern European countries. It explores how Polish involvement in colonial systems, inspired by Western models, shaped scientific and ethnographic practices.

The temporary exhibition 'Wybielanie' (Whitewashing) provides a critical self-examination of the National Museum of Ethnography's past, aiming to expose and confront colonial patterns. It specifically addresses the complex history of countries like Poland within the broader context of European colonialism, particularly the concept of "colonial innocence" often attributed to Central and Eastern European nations. The exhibition traces its origins to Leopold Janikowski's 1888 collection from Cameroon, acquired during an expedition that aimed to establish a Polish colony. This expedition, though unsuccessful in its primary goal, became a foundational myth for the museum. The exhibition highlights how Polish engagement with colonial systems involved imitating imperial practices and asserting a position within Western culture, often by defining non-European peoples as 'other' or 'inferior.' This was reinforced through scientific and museum practices that exoticized and devalued non-European civilizations. The show features photographs from the museum's collections, taken in Africa by Polish travelers, researchers, and journalists, which reflect the colonial gaze shaped by Western photographers. A timeline spanning from the late 19th century to the present day contextualizes events relevant to the museum's African collections.

The exhibition is part of the 'Against Stereotypes' program. Further details about the program can be found on the museum's website. Accessibility information is provided, including Polish and English texts, audio descriptions, tactile graphics, video guides, and PJM (Polish Sign Language). Visitors should refer to the museum's official website for the most current ticketing and admission information.