The Experience
The culture of the Polish homeland and the contributions of its citizens share the limelight at this compact museum. The most colorful displays focus on the traditions that the immigrants brought to America, from Pisanki (painted Easter eggs) to decorative wooden plates.
Memorabilia and biographical materials introduce famous Poles, both American and foreign, from local religious leader John Cardinal Krol to Revolutionary War heroes Thaddeus Kosciuszko and Casimir Pulaski. The accomplishments of composers Fryderyk Chopin and Ignacy Jan Paderewski and of scientists Marie Sklodowska Curie and Nicholas Copernicus (whose given name was Mikolaj Kopernik) are also documented. There is also a prominent display honoring the most well-known person of Polish heritage: Pope John Paul II.
History
The Polish American Cultural Center was founded in February 1981 to highlight Polish heritage. In 1987 the Cultural Center acquired the building at 308 Walnut Street in the heart of historic Philadelphia and opened a permanent Museum Exhibit Hall. The Exhibit Hall is open admission free to the general public 300 days a year and promotes public awareness and appreciation of Polish history and culture.