A temporary exhibition introducing the figure of Jan Henryk Dabrowski, the patron of the Palace in Winna Gora.

Although the general's name often resounds during the performance of the national anthem, in the opinion of contemporary historians he still remains one of the lesser-known national heroes. The authors intend the exhibition to show Dabrowski first and foremost as a man of complex character, whose fate and life choices have not always conformed to the Polish vision of history. He was often set as an example of a professional officer, but was also repeatedly accused of treason and careerist attitude. The famous nineteenth-century Warsaw historian Tadeusz Korzon, who attacked Dabrowski, admitted that the latter "never broke down; he may have wandered astray at times, looked for ways either too gambling or too compromising for our nation (...), but he looked for them always and everywhere, always ready to work, to devise a project." Therefore, the upcoming temporary exhibition and accompanying educational program will not only present the figure of the general, but also encourage individual exploration of questions about the contemporary meaning of the word patriotism.

The aim of the exhibition is to slightly "de-brindle" Jan Henryk Dabrowski, who had to make difficult choices during his life, often facing criticism from his compatriots. One of the main accusations was that Dabrowski did not speak Polish well and was maliciously referred to as a "German" because of his German way of life. Poles accused him of an aversion to liquor, a stodgy and demanding manner, servility and too much adherence to discipline.

There are many threads in his biography that testify to the complexity of his character. He was known for thinking in military terms, excelled in constructing plans and organizations, and at the same time wrote love letters to his wife Lila. He wanted to establish himself materially, craved fame and promotion, but supported those in need and demanded a lot from himself, improving his professional skills on his own. He showed great commitment to military plans often at the risk of his life, which translated into undoubted military merit. Eventually, feeling unappreciated, removed from high positions, but also suffering from wounds, he withdrew to Winna Gora. In the opinion of modern historians, Dabrowski's activity is assessed positively, nevertheless he was not a crystalline figure, because like any hero we like to idealize, he was first and foremost a human being.

Visitors to the Winna Gora exhibition will be invited to discover the interesting biography of Dabrowski presented in a form visually reminiscent of a board game. The direction of movement through the exhibition is determined by successive fields, where new events and new characters related to the history of the general's life will appear. Some of them will encourage you to stop longer and look at period relics, while others will encourage you to do simple activities, such as arranging pillow fortifications or trying on elements of the Polish legionaries' costumes. There will also be the voice of Dabrowski himself, who liked to describe his military achievements, but also to return in memory to moments spent in his hometown. You will be able to hear him in a radio play specially created for the exhibition. Visitors will be provided with a printed guide - a blueprint for this historical showdown - encouraging, among other things, visitors to put themselves in the role of the general and make important decisions on his behalf related to their duties to their homeland, in the spirit of responsibility for family, professional ambition, honor, discipline or respect for tradition.

assistant curator: Robert Jędrzejczak
co-author of curatorial text: Kacper Strzelecki
exhibition design: Karol Pawełek, YOS Studio
educational aid authors: Katarzyna Niewczas, Maria Pawlak
listener guide: Ewa Kaczmarek, Jarosław Mikołajczyk

partners: Hero Collection, Ośrodek Doskonalenia Nauczycieli w Poznaniu, Koleje Wielkopolskie
media partner: Kultura u Podstaw
list of lending institutions and collectors: Museum of Clothing History in Poznań, Napoleonic Museum in Witaszyce, National Museum in Poznań, St. Staszic Regional Museum in Piła, Museum of Polish Arms in Kołobrzeg, Museum of the Origins of the Polish State in Gniezno, Regional Museum in Człuchów, Regional Museum in Szczecinek, Stanislaw Staszic Museum in Piła, Opalinski Castle Museum in Sieraków, Hero Collection, Krzysztof Komaniecki
iconographic sources: Ossolineum Institute, Museum of the National Anthem in Będomin, polona.pl (public domain)

The exhibition was co-financed by the Wielkopolska Voivodeship.

Ausstellungen in Winna Góra