WIELKOPOLSKA (GREATER POLAND) MILITARY MUSEUM: HISTORY OF AN UNUSUAL MUSEUM

The beginning of historical-military museologyin Poznan dates back to the mid-19th century when thePoznan Society of Friends of Learning assumed the responsibilityto save historic monuments, and began to establish theMuseum of Polish and Slavic Antiquities in the Grand Duchy ofPosen (Poznan). The task was to collect archival, library, andmuseum materials, including militaria. As a result of theseefforts, in 1882, the Mielżynski Museum was establishedwhich boasted an exquisite painting gallery, containing historicalpainting, a rich archaeological and military collection,and a sizeable collection of so-called historical mementoes:weapons, orders, decorations, etc.In the aftermath of the Greater Poland Uprising 1918–1919, the Hindenburg Museum founded in 1916–1918was transformed into a Military Museum. The ceremonialopening was held on 27 October 1919 by Józef Piłsudski,Poland’s Chief of State. The quickly growing collection wasmoved from Marcinkowskiego Avenue to the barracksin Bukowska Street, and subsequently to a new seat at1 Artyleryjska Street in Poznan. The solemn opening of theWielkopolska Military Museum was held on 22 April 1923by the Commander of the 7th Corps District Major-GeneralKazimierz Raszewski. In 1939, anticipating the threat of war,the most precious objects were evacuated eastwards, andlooted there. The items which stayed behind ended up inGerman museums. The mementoes connected with the historyof the Polish military were destroyed, and the Museumwas wound up.The first attempts at reactivating the Museum followingWW II failed. It was only with the 1956 revolt that civil andmilitary authorities changed their approach, The NationalMuseum in Poznan undertook the first efforts. The Museumdid not go back to its pre-WW II seat, but found home ina modern building in the Old Market Square in Poznan, tobe ceremoniously launched on 22 February 1963 by theCommander of the Operational Air Force in Poznan BrigadierGeneral Pilot Jan Raczkowski.Having recreated its collection, the Wielkopolska MilitaryMuseum, already as a Branch of the National Museum inPoznan, has held many exhibitions and shows. Moreover,it has released many publications, and run a broad rangeof educational activities. Among other projects, it has alsomade reference to the pre-WW II Museum. On 27 December2019, a new jubilee exhibition ‘Wielkopolska MilitaryMuseum 1919–2019’ recording the 100-years’ history of theoldest historical-military museum in Poland was inaugurated.