The museum stands in the former heart of Jewish Warsaw, an area turned into a ghetto during the Second World War. Opened in 2014, its modern building faces the Monument to the Ghetto Heroes and forms part of a unique memorial complex.
The educational mission of the museum is ‘to preserve the past and shape the future’ in the believe that exposure to the rich history of Polish Jews provides more than historical education: it inculcates respect for people from different backgrounds and strengthens the resolve to fight xenophobia. After the outbreak of the war in Ukraine many refugees, entered Poland, including 17,000 children. The local Ukrainian School almost overnight went from 50 students to 2,000. Whilst other museums in the city have decreased or stopped their work with this displaced and traumatised community, POLIN has redoubled its commitment.
Since March 2022 seven Ukrainian staff have been recruited and trained. In partnership with the Ukrainian House in Warsaw, whose goal is to support the Ukrainian community, and the Ukrainian School there are joint discussions on the needs of the children, with planning and implementation of activities. Events addressed to refugee children target families and school groups.
All activities aim to create as a safe space for peer interaction, shared play and development. The main goal is to reduce the trauma associated with war experiences and integrate children into their new environment, with sessions that are open, calm and maintain focus. The positive impact has also been felt by accompanying Ukrainian teachers, who have been left without psychological support. Artists in exile in Warsaw have also started approaching the museum with projects for children.
The judges’ comments
This is an exemplary approach to community engagement at a time of real-world conflict, providing a safe space to learn. POLIN has taken on a significant social responsibility by welcoming refugees from a neighbouring country with a different culture and language, providing a haven from the hardships and horrors they may have experienced. This outstanding work is done respectfully and with a focus on maintaining their native language.