Image from his time spent in Russian Gulags
Every year in Poland, the Government chooses key people to celebrate, known as The Year Of
In 2019, we acknowledge ‘the year of Gustaw Herling-Grudziński’, one of the greatest 20th Century Polish writers.
The Government says: … stressing that the fate and work of this writer constitute ‘a testimony to the suffering and deeds of a man who endured a period of totalitarian violence and a crisis of values’.
2019 marks the 100th anniversary of Gustaw Herling-Grudziński’s birth on 20 May 1919 in Kielce, Poland.
Display running till the end of October 2019
Objects en route – Exhibition.
Part of Auckland Heritage Festival 2019
Oct 6-20 during museum opening hours Tues To Friday 10-4 Sunday 12-5
Experience cultural objects, images and stunning original artworks connected to the Polish children’s survival journey. The story begins with deportation from their homeland to the Soviet Union during World War 2, subsequent recovery in exotic Persia attached to the Polish army and a new home in New Zealand, starting with the Polish Children’s Camp.
Casual entry by donation, no bookings required.
Groups by prior booking arrangement, fee applies.
Check out events over the Auckland Heritage Festival plus Exhibition: Objects en Route during Museum Opening Hours.
Stefania’s journey: one precious thing.
Family Workshop. Part of Auckland Heritage Festival 2019.
also Thursday 10 Oct, 10am – 12:00 noon (during school holidays)
Stefania’s mother says, ‘Choose one thing that is most precious to you, that’s all we can take’. Stefania chooses her dancing slippers.
Watch a presentation based on the book ‘Stefania’s Dancing Slippers’ written by Jennifer Beck and illustrated by Lindy Fisher.
It reflects the real-life deportation and journey of 733 Polish children and 102 adult caregivers who came to NZ seventy-five years ago in 1944. See the beautiful artworks from the book, then create your own craft in a workshop for families, age 7-adult.
$8:00 per person. Cash and internet banking accepted. Sorry, no Eftpos available. Bookings preferred.
Talk: Journey of Survival
this event is part of Auckland Heritage Festival 2019. #AKLHeritage
Join us for a talk, illustrating the remarkable journey of 733 Polish children and 102 adult caregivers who were deported from their homeland to Russia.
They then travelled to Persia under the protection of the Allies and later arrived in the safe haven of New Zealand, all during World War 2.
You are welcome to stay on and linger at the museum… enjoy the many colourful displays: costumes, tapestries and stamps; discover many ‘Famous Poles’.
Copies of books and DVDs by and about members of this Polish group will be available for purchase afterwards.
Museum entry by donation. No booking required.
Groups by prior arrangement – fee applies.
Howick is a destination that offers variety including Howick beach, Stockade Hill, various Fencible sites and historical walks, All Saints Church, Uxbridge Creative Arts, Te Tui Gallery and Howick Historical Village.
The quaint Howick village shops are a 5 minute walk from the museum and the Botany Town Centre is a 10 minute drive.
We look forward to welcoming you to the ‘Journey of Survival – Talk’, the Howick district and the Polish Museum.
The Polish Museum is for all New Zealanders and visitors.
“GLAM” Gallery, Library, Archive, Museum.
Overcoming Fate – film, talk, tour.
Sunday 20 Oct 2019 2-4pm. Part of Auckland Heritage Festival 2019.
See this deeply moving, hauntingly creative and contemporary film interpretation of the Polish Pahiatua children’s journey, as recalled 70 years on by the participants. Interwoven threads of documentary footage, poetic and artistic devices reveal a viewpoint of personal tragedy, forced journeying and overcoming adversity.
‘The heroes of my film are Polish children who survived deportation to Siberia together with their families, and then, as a result of exile in wartime, went to [New Zealand]’ says award-winning director Marek Lechowicz. ‘Most of these children lost their loved ones and have not yet visited the homeland’.
‘Overcoming Fate’ was filmed in Auckland and Poland and screened on Polish television. Subtitles. PG.
Talk and Guided tour included.
$10 per person. Cash and internet banking accepted. Sorry, no Eftpos available.
No bookings required for casual visitors. Groups by prior arrangement.
Hosted Visit, open to individuals and small groups: join our popular tour of the galleries. Hear an introductory talk and watch the film ‘Poles Apart’.
The programme will start at 10am, with a look around the Lower Gallery, and follow with a talk starting at 10.15 am. The film Poles Apart (one hour) will start at 10.30 am, with free time after the film to wander the exhibits again and visit the Upper Gallery.
We will serve morning tea at approx. 10.15 am. Price is $10 cash per person. Morning tea or coffee. Bookings not required.
‘Poles Apart’ (1 hour) tells the poignant story and background of 733 Polish children and 102 adults who came to live in Pahiatua, New Zealand, 1944. These survivors were forcibly deported from Poland to Russia during World War 2 then evacuated to Persia during a short amnesty. They eventually found a home in New Zealand.
Museum founder Mr John Roy-Wojceichowski is one of the children,
Pahiatua afternoon tea.
This is a gathering for the ‘children’ and their families that came to Pahiatua, NZ in 1944.
Please contact Ellen for details 021 1070169
1.30 pm arrival for a 2 pm welcome and National anthem
Hosted Visit, open to individuals and small groups: join our popular tour of the galleries. Hear an introductory talk and watch the film ‘Poles Apart’.
The programme will start at 10am, with a look around the Lower Gallery, and follow with a talk starting at 10.15 am. The film Poles Apart (one hour) will start at 10.30 am, with free time after the film to wander the exhibits again and visit the Upper Gallery.
We will serve morning tea at approx. 10.15 am. Price is $10 cash per person. Morning tea or coffee. Bookings not required.
‘Poles Apart’ (1 hour) tells the poignant story and background of 733 Polish children and 102 adults who came to live in Pahiatua, New Zealand, 1944. These survivors were forcibly deported from Poland to Russia during World War 2 then evacuated to Persia during a short amnesty. They eventually found a home in New Zealand.
Museum founder Mr John Roy-Wojceichowski is one of the children,
Come try something new and create with paper and scissors.
Wycinanki or cut-outs is a traditional Polish folk art
This adult group usually meets on the first Friday each month, we cut various types of designs, tree of life, roosters, flowers and circles.
$10pp. A warm welcome awaits you
New members are welcome any time as we work at our own pace, materials and designs provided. Coming for the first time? Please ring me.
Polish decorative paper cut-outs belong to the most beautiful in the world. Traditionally they were made by hand, without drawing the design first, cutting out using sheep-sheering scissors.
- New members can watch a short presentation
- Designs based on the Lowicz and Kurpie regions of Poland
- Beginners workshop is also available throughout the year, gather your group together and make a booking, a date and time to suit you.
- Ideal class for children’s birthday parties too! 8 years plus, can be available on some Saturdays
For enquiries and bookings please phone 533 3530 or email us.
Museum hours Tue to Fri 10-4 and Sun 12-5