Let Us Build a Memory

In more than 60 years of its existence, the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum has gathered—and provided protection for—thousands of camp relics, both historical items and art works. An essential part of this collection was gathered thanks to the generosity of numerous donors. A very special place among them belongs to the survivors—initiators and founders of the Auschwitz Memorial. They donated various historical items and documents as well as art works made both in the camp and after the war.

Many gifts were also donated by the survivors' family members and other people who had received miscellaneous types of mementos from the prisoners as a token of gratitude for the help they had received. Each year, new gifts increase and enrich the Auschwitz Memorial’s collection. This exhibition displays some received in recent three years.

Each authentic item related to the Auschwitz camp is an individual history, a testimony of those tragic times. The Museum collects all items coming from the period when the camp was operational as well as art works created by the survivors after the liberation. It also provides proper conservation protection and storage conditions for all artifacts.

Grateful for the support we have received so far, we appeal to the general public for donating such artifacts to the Auschwitz Memorial. They will serve, among others, the educational purpose of teaching about the history of the Auschwitz camp and commemorating the people whose fate was connected with one of the most tragic places in history.

The exhibition can be seen in Block 12 at the former Auschwitz I camp until February 24, 2011.