Throughout the year, Paris vibrates to the rhythm ofcultural events that invite us to rediscover its heritage in a whole new way. On Saturday, May 17, 2025, it's the turn of Nuit des Musées to make its comeback. The concept? Cultural sites open their doors to us, often free of charge, for nocturnal visits, usually accompanied by a program of events, workshops, concerts, performances and other surprises. A great way for history, art and heritage lovers to explore the treasures of the Paris region.
It's also an opportunity to discover the capital's secrets through little-known, confidential museums nestled in the four corners of Paris. Among them is the Bibliothèque Polonaise, located in the heart of the City of Light on the Île Saint-Louis, in a 17th-century building. Founded in 1838 by Polish refugees, it is home to the Polish Historical and Literary Society, as well as three confidential museums, each dedicated to an artistic and historical figure from Poland.
These include the Adam Mickiewicz Museum, considered one of the greatest Romantic poets, the Salon Chopin, the only venue in France dedicated to the famous composer, and the Boleslas Biegas Museum, sculptor, painter and playwright. Would you like to find out more about the Nuit des Musées 2025 program? Find out below!
The Adam Mickiewicz Museum presents the life and work of Adam Mickiewicz (1798-1855), Poland's greatest Romantic poet. It was established by his son Władysław in 1903. Mickiewicz is to Poles what Goethe is to Germans: a symbol of national identity and cultural unity. A political émigré and pilgrim of freedom, he spent much of his life in Paris, where he forged illustrious friendships and lectured brilliantly at the Collège de France. For today's Europeans, Mickiewicz is one of the first visionaries of a united Europe.
The Salon Chopin is the only venue in France dedicated to Poland's greatest composer, Frédéric Chopin (1810 - 1849). Exiled to Paris in 1831, Chopin lived there until his death. He became the legendary pianist of the Salon Pleyel, the composer of the famous polonaises, mazurkas, ballades and waltzes, and also the most admired teacher in Paris, the European capital of Romanticism.
The Musée Boleslas Biegas, inaugurated by the SHLP with the support of Guido Biazzi and Claude Kechichian, presents a selection of collections from the legacy of Boleslas Biegas (1877 - 1954), an artist, sculptor, painter and playwright of Polish origin, linked to the Viennese Secession movement, who lived in Paris since 1901 surrounded by friends from the Symbolist milieu of the "La Plume" circle. The museum displays works by Biegas, whose sculptures were more highly regarded than Rodin's, as well as those by other Polish artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Bibliothèque Polonaise de Paris
Polish Historical and Literary Society - The essence of society
Society can be defined as a particular state to which certain beings adhere when they live in more or less numerous and organized groups. "Society is the union of men and not of men", according to Montesquieu, who thus defines the essence of a community of minds of certain beings. The PLSH was not founded as a simple form of institution with a specific purpose, but as a kind of congregation founded to carry out a common action far more complex than simple political or cultural action. This action consisted in realizing the Polish spirit in France through the power of thought and word. From this perspective, the SHLP was an essential society...
The Polish Historical and Literary Society (SHLP) is a unique institution, continuing its activities since 1854 (170 years!) at the same location, 6, quai d'Orléans. The SHLP is an important center of intellectual exchange and, until June 2024, is the administrator of the Bibliothèque Polonaise de Paris (BPP), founded in 1838.
To arouse the curiosity of the general public, the 2024 exhibition presents an overview of the activities of this 19th-century institution and its incomparable collections. It also presents remarkable personalities: statesmen, national heroes, writers, poets, artists, inventors, explorers and scientists.
POLISH DANCES
from 3:30pm
Like nowhere else - at the Bibliothèque Polonaise de Paris, dance takes center stage.
Would you like to learn with us?
We're talking Polonaise and a few Oberek steps...
Our teacher, Ella Jaroszewicz, is a mime artist, dancer, director, choreographer and teacher. She is at the origin of a gestural language which synthesizes the art of mime and the science of choreography, and which she developed in France. In 1973, she founded Compagnie MAGENIA and, a year later, Studio MAGENIA, the "European Academy of Body Theatre", which has existed until 2018, training over 800 young artists.
Dates and Opening Time
On May 17, 2025
Location
Polish Library of Paris
6 Quai d'Orléans
75004 Paris 4
Access
Pont Marie metro station (line 7)
Prices
Free
Official website
www.bibliotheque-polonaise-paris-shlp.fr
