News
65 years of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum
On July 2, 1947, the Polish Sejm adopted a law on the establishment of the Auschwitz Museum and Memorial Site on the grounds of the former German Nazi concentration and extermination camp. While celebrating the 65th anniversary the opening of a new exhibition “Auschwitz. Memory. World,” a new awards ceremony for volunteers of the Memorial Site and the presentation of the new Museum publication — available in Polish language version — “Epitaph… and other written concerns” took place.
“The area of the former Nazi concentration camp in Oświęcim, together with all the buildings and facilities found there, shall act for all time as a Monument to Martyrdom” – read the Museum’s appointing Act of 2 July 1947.
“The word “museum” often raises some concern when speaking of the world’s largest cemetery, memorial and place for preservation of memory. But we must remember that it is just the legal framework of a museum, concerning the monument, but the collections and archives are the most complete tool for the protection of this unique Memorial Site,” said Dr Piotr MA Cywiński, who is Director of the Museum since September 2006.
65 years of the Museum - the presentation of Piotr M.A. Cywiński's book “Epitaph… and other written concerns.” During the anniversary ceremony, the head of the Scientific Department, Dr Piotr Setkiewicz, spoke about the beginnings of the Museum before its official legal establishment and of the people who created this place. He also mentioned his predecessor, Dr Franciszek Piper, who worked at the Memorial Sites for 43 years. “Being here in this traumatic place in history is a kind of privilege, but also a great responsibility and moral obligation,” he said.
The meeting was also an opportunity to thank the volunteers of the Memorial Site and representatives of institutions that, for many years, have been supporting voluntary services. Afterwards, the first 10 volunteers were presented with the award “If it were not for ten…”, which was an expression of appreciation and gratitude for those whose unpaid work, commitment and activities contribute to maintaining and promoting the memory of Auschwitz and the Holocaust. In recent years, about 700 volunteers per year participate in various volunteer projects and programmes at the Museum.
The anniversary was an occasion to present a new collection of essays entitled “Epitaph… and other written concerns” written by director Peter Cywiński which was released by the Museum. The work is a reflection on the impact of contemporary man with the darkest page of the history of the twentieth century – the methodically planned and industrial-scale attempt to wipe out an entire nation.
In connection with the anniversary, the outdoor exhibition "Auschwitz. Memory. World" was opened, which comprises 28 large-format photographs from the Archives of the Museum depicting figures of the world of politics and religion, which throughout 65 years have paid homage to the victims of Auschwitz. The exhibition can be viewed at the entrance to the Museum until October 31st.
