Polish Aviation Museum

60 years have passed… like a single day!

Dear aviation enthusiasts, what a Jubilee it was! Concerts, exhibitions, attractions for young and old alike. Loads of fun, inspiring aviation conversations, memories with a tear of emotion in the eye and reunions with old friends. In a few words, that is how we can describe the celebrations of our Museum’s 60th birthday, which lasted 3 days and provided both organisers and guests with a wealth of positive emotions! To share our impressions with our most faithful friends — that is, of course, with you — we present the first part of the Jubilee report.

A picture-perfect Jubilee Gala!

On 15 June we organised the official ceremony, attended of course by Museum staff — without whom this place could not exist! We were also joined by representatives of the authorities, uniformed services and the military, as well as many individuals who have contributed greatly to our institution, including representatives of organisations and companies that over the years have supported us and helped organise many important events.

The Gala was hosted by the charming Anna Popek. Once the welcomed guests had taken their seats, the official part began — the presentation of decorations and acknowledgements. First to receive state decorations were the Museum’s long-serving employees. The decorations were presented on behalf of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Prof. Piotr Gliński, by Łukasz Kmita, Voivode of Małopolska. The Marshal of the Małopolska Voivodeship, Witold Kozłowski, honoured Museum Director Tomasz Kosecki and Deputy Director Tomasz Krzaczyński with the Gold Honorary Badge of the Małopolska Voivodeship — the Cross of Małopolska, and Piotr Kolasiński with the Silver Cross of Małopolska.

Our colleagues were enormously appreciated for their many years of work and we are proud of them! We are glad to work with passionate people who for years have put their whole heart into ensuring that the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków operates at the highest level.

After this momentous occasion, it was time for our thank-yous. Museum Director Tomasz Kosecki personally presented specially commissioned statuettes to individuals who contributed significantly to the development of the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków. The one-of-a-kind statuettes were made by Robert Firszt.

The official part of the gathering came to an end — now the guests were treated to a special concert by Stanisław Soyka, after which a grand jubilee cake was wheeled into the hall, topped with a chocolate… PZL P.11 aircraft! It looked magnificent — see for yourselves in the photos.

Of course, there was no shortage of thanks from our guests — and we thank you for being there!

It was a wonderful evening in a marvellous atmosphere, surrounded by wonderful people. We hope the next time will come sooner than in another 60 years.

We encourage you to browse the photos in the gallery. And soon — parts 2 and 3 of the Jubilee report!