Setting of the foundation stone of the home of the Museum of the Second World War

On 1 September 2012, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Minister of Culture and National Heritage Bogdan Zdrojewski, Gdańsk Mayor Paweł Adamowicz, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office Tomasz Arabski and Director of the Museum of the Second World War Professor Paweł Machcewicz conducted the ceremony of setting the foundation stone of the museum building.

A paving stone found during the archaeological excavation, which had once been in the pavement of a street in the Wiadrownia district, was used as the foundation stone. It and the signed document were placed in the building’s stone base course.

In his speech Prime Minister Donald Tusk said: “This museum is to become a loud statement not only through its content, but also through its architecture. It will be a visible embodiment, the best, powerful and attractive way to disseminate our thoughts and feelings. It is to become a statement of the way we Poles understand our duty towards peace. It is an impressive new step in the rebuilding of Gdańsk. Let it be a proof that we have drawn correct conclusions from this war".

A film presenting the future home of the Museum with the visualizations of the separate storeys and interiors had its premiere during the ceremony. The screening was commented on by the building’s designer Jacek Droszcz who explained the main concepts of the project,  the building’s complexity and layout.

The film was followed by a show of the main exhibition visualizations prepared by a Belgian firm Tempora S.A.

The Museum’s Director Prof. Paweł Machcewicz presented the most important and the most valuable exhibits from the Museum’s collection. All the guests had an opportunity to take a closer look at the objects after the official part of the ceremony was over.