The Polish Aviation Museum is completing final preparations for the opening of the New Main Building. The structure, whose shape from a bird’s-eye view resembles a propeller, will be opened to Krakow residents and tourists on 19 September 2010. In addition to the aircraft and aero engines gathered in the Exhibition and Educational Halls, Museum visitors will have the opportunity to explore other collections. The new building makes it possible to relocate and make available the valuable library and archival resources. The Library and Scientific Archive of the Polish Aviation Museum house 8,500 books, 2,500 aviation manuals, 38,000 periodicals, and 75,000 archival items (largely photographic documentation).
Particular attention should be paid to the aviation uniforms, decorations, and documents displayed in showcases. Previously, their permanent display was not possible due to the climatic conditions in the hangars. The buildings used by the Museum for exhibition purposes were not heated and were exposed to moisture. The New Main Building creates new exhibition opportunities. It should be noted that aviation is not only about aircraft but above all about people, without whom the machines would be mere lifeless objects.
The collections include memorabilia of distinguished Polish pilots. The showcases will feature uniforms and decorations belonging to, among others: 2nd Lt. Pilot Edward Procyk (1911–1941), Major General Pilot Jan Ludwik Frey-Bielecki (1916–1994), Col. Pilot Stanisław J. Skarżyński (1899–1942), Brig. Gen. Pilot Tadeusz Andersz (1918–2007), Stefania C. “Barbara” Wojtulanis-Karpińska (1912–2005), Lt. Col. Pilot Władysław Łapot (1909–2009), Maj. Pilot Karol Pniak (1910–1980), as well as Poland’s only astronaut, Brig. Gen. Pilot Mirosław Hermaszewski (born 1941).
