The Polish Institute and Sikorski MuseumThe Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum
About the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum
With the termination of hostilities in 1945 and the recognition by the Allies of the Soviet imposed Communist Government in Poland, it became obvious that the overwhelming majority of Polish ex-servicemen and civilian nationals would not choose to return to their Soviet dominated homeland.
As a result, a large community of Poles remained in exile. One of the more pressing needs of this disposessed and exiled society was the preservation of all that bore witness to their struggle: of the values and aspirations fought for, of the new and better Poland they had hoped to build once the German invader had been defeated. What this meant in practical terms was the preservation of historical records, documents, regimental standards, uniforms, insignia, notable works of art and literature and, last but not least, innumerable personal effects which had once belonged to statesmen, diplomats, academics, military leaders and ordinary men and women. It was for this purpose - to consolidate and conserve a precious heritage - that the premises at 20 Princes Gate were acquired.
The institution was named after General W?adyslaw Sikorski, who as soldier and statesman had personified the hopes and aspirations of a nation which had, by a repetition of history, found herself shackled by her more powerful neighbours.
Yet to present the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum today as just a repository of military exhibits and archive material is to disclose only part of the story. There is in fact more. During the period of Communist domination in Poland, censorship had distorted much of the Country's history. Through the energetic publishing programme and pamphlets have been published on crucial subjects relating to modern history and politics. After the collapse of Soviet domination in Poland and the election of the president of the independent state, the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum continues to function as an independent cultural and research institution. Nor should we forget the wide range of cultural and educational pursuits the Institute has embarked upon. Lectures and seminars on historical and political topics, exhibitions and musical recitals, documentary film shows, conferences and symposia have been sponsored or organised by the Institute's staff.
A museum, research centre and publishing house, the Polish Institute has also became a cultural centre, not only catering for the needs of the Polish community but also offering a wider British public a glimpse of the history and tradition of one of central Europe's oldest nation-states. The casual visitor will feel as much at home as the professional historian.
The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum receives no financial aid from any official body. It is registered as a Charitable Company and must rely on the generosity of the public to balance its budget. We appeal to you, therefore, to be as magnanimous as possible with your donations P.0.'s and cheques may be made out to "The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum" and forwarded to 20 Princes Gate, London SW7 1PT.