"'This is Our History': The Photographic Collection of the Polish Library in Paris Unveiled"

Located in the heart of Île Saint-Louis, the Polish Library Institute in Paris stands as one of the oldest and most prestigious Polish cultural centers outside of Poland. Established in the 19th century by members of the Great Emigration, it houses an exceptional collection that includes manuscripts, artworks, archives… as well as a remarkable photographic collection.

A Photographic Journey Through the Great Polish Emigration

The Institution is inviting the public today to explore a curated selection of its most treasured items, sourced from tens of thousands of documents primarily from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Through precious daguerreotypes, vintage photographs, photo albums, and carte de visite portraits, the exhibition tells the story of the Great Polish Emigration to France following the 1831 Uprising. Visitors can discover rare portraits of Adam Mickiewicz, his son Władysław Mickiewicz, Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski, as well as many key figures from the intellectual, artistic, and political circles of the émigré community.

Artist Photographs, Visual Archives, and Historical Memory

The exhibition also features photographs of artist studios, such as Olga Boznańska, alongside cityscapes from across Europe, scenic landscapes, family albums, and rare documents connected to significant historical events.

With support from the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, a portion of this collection has been digitized and made accessible to the public. The exhibition offers a captivating visual journey through the history, memories, and artistic expressions of the Polish émigré community in Paris.

A must-see event for fans of photography, history, and Cultural Heritage.