The Urna Exhibition: A Powerful Memorial to Poland's Lost Cultural Heritage from WWII

This exhibition showcases the 'Urna', a transparent vessel containing the ashes of invaluable collections from the National Library that were destroyed during World War II. It serves as a solemn memorial to the immense loss of Polish cultural heritage, highlighting the systematic destruction of manuscripts, books, maps, and other significant documents.

The 'Urna' exhibition presents a powerful testament to the devastating cultural losses suffered by Poland during World War II, specifically focusing on the destruction of the National Library's collections. The centerpiece is a transparent urn filled with the ashes of priceless manuscripts, rare books, drawings, prints, maps, and sheet music. These items were systematically burned by special Wehrmacht units in October 1944 after the Warsaw Uprising, in violation of peace agreements that guaranteed the safety of Polish cultural assets. The exhibition includes poignant accounts from librarians who witnessed the aftermath, describing the deliberate and devastating fire that consumed an estimated 39,000 to 50,000 manuscripts, 80,000 early books, 100,000 later books, and vast collections of graphic art, sheet music, and maps. This event represents one of the greatest losses in Polish cultural history and a significant depletion of written records globally. The narrative emphasizes the systematic nature of the destruction, with eyewitness accounts detailing how books were doused in gasoline and burned. The empty crates, prepared for the evacuation of these very collections, were left behind by the occupying forces, underscoring the finality of the loss. The urn itself, containing the ashes of volumes that will never be read, stands as a stark and somber monument. Visitors can also access an audio guide fragment and further information via Polona.pl, connecting them to more details about this tragic chapter of cultural devastation and preservation efforts.

This is a permanent exhibition. Visitors can learn more about the 'Urna' on Polona.pl, and an audio guide is available. Details regarding admission and visiting hours should be sought on the official museum website or by contacting the institution directly, as specific ticketing information is not provided on this page.