On February 21, 2024, the ceremonial opening of the Polar Research Museum in Puławy took place. It is the first institution in Poland that covers all issues related to the history of Polish polar expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica.

The museum collects photographic material, source documents, technical equipment, geological specimens and various artefacts and memorabilia related to polar exploration.

Cutting the ribbon at the opening of the facility

The ceremony was honored with speeches by: Marshal of Lubelskie Voivodship, Representatives of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, Chairman of the Council of the Polar Research Museum, Members of the Polish Parliament, President of the Polish Academy of Sciences, doyens of Polish polar expeditions and many distinguished guests.

The Polish Geological Institute was represented by prof. dr. hab. Stanisław Mikulski, Deputy Director for Research and Development, prof. dr hab. Jerzy Nawrocki and representatives of the Geological Museum. During his speech, prof. Stanisław Mikulski read out a letter from the Director of PGI-NRI prof. dr hab. K. Szamałek and presented the Director of the Polar Research Museum, dr Piotr Kondrauluk, with a unique specimen of fossilised Eocene wood found by PGI-NRI staff on King George Island, off the Antarctic coast.

PGI-NRI Deputy Director for Research and Development prof. S. Mikulski (centre) during a conversation with polar scientists d. J. Giżejewski (left) and prof. dr hab. J. Nawrocki at the opening ceremony of the Museum of Polar Research

The idea for the Museum was born in the Lublin region in 1987. Andrzej Piotrowski, a naturalist, geologist, museologist, photographer, researcher of the Kurile Islands and Sakhalin, was the originator and main initiator of the establishment. Thanks to his tireless efforts, the Museum of Polar Research in Puławy was established on May 27, 2020. During the ceremony, the figure of the late Andrzej Piotrowski was mentioned and honoured several times in the presence of his family and colleagues.

Guests present at the opening ceremony of the facility

Ms Alina Piotrowska, a long-time employee of PGI-NRI. Pictured with the director of the Polar Research Museum and his son

Text: Cezary Krawczyński, Tatiana Woroncowa-Marcinowska
Photos: Muzeum Badań Polarnych