Discover the Krasiński Library's Profound History and WWII Destruction at Palace of the Commonwealth

This permanent exhibition showcases the history of the Krasiński Library, one of Poland's most significant pre-WWII libraries, founded by the influential Krasiński family. It details the library's extensive collection, its modern building, and its tragic destruction during World War II, highlighting the surviving elements now preserved.

The 'Biblioteka Ordynacji Krasińskich' exhibition delves into the rich history of a pivotal Polish library established by the esteemed Krasiński family, which amassed a collection of over a quarter-million items from the 16th century onwards. Founded in 1844 and publicly accessible from 1860, the library's purpose-built, modern facility on Okólnik Street opened in 1930. The exhibition recounts the library's significant contributions, including its publishing activities, and its role in safeguarding valuable national collections, particularly those of the National Library and the University Library during World War II. Tragically, the library's collections suffered immense destruction during the Warsaw Uprising. The page details the systematic looting and the deliberate burning of the remaining treasures by German Brandkommando units in October 1944, an act of barbarism that profoundly impacted Polish culture. The exhibition brings attention to these events and showcases the few surviving items from the Ordynacja Krasińskich Library, which were later transferred to the National Library, alongside a preserved print of Wojciech Jastrzębowski's "Constitution for Europe."

This appears to be a permanent exhibition within the Palace of the Commonwealth. Visitor access and ticketing information should be available through the official museum channels.