On this wonderful night – 16 May, from 7:00 PM to midnight – over 3,000 lovers of history, technology and good fun visited us! During Museum Night, everyone had the opportunity to explore our extraordinary cultural institution and enjoy the numerous attractions prepared specially for this event, all for a symbolic admission of PLN 5.
The staff of the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków prepared a rich programme of events in which everyone – regardless of age – could find something for themselves. The evening tour of exhibitions, where visitors could see a total of 250 aircraft and the largest collection of aircraft engines in Europe, became an opportunity to take a close look at the history of aviation, listen to fascinating stories and take part in extraordinary attractions.
The event programme included:
Special guided tour:
• 19:15–21:00 – a guided tour for aviation enthusiasts led by Andrzej Chytkowski – the topic was the profiles of pilots and personnel of the 2nd Aviation Regiment, an elite fighter unit that before the war was stationed at the Rakowice-Czyżyny airfield near Kraków, on whose grounds the Museum is now located.
Lectures and meetings:
• 20:00–24:00 – a lecture was given by the master of aviation storytelling, Mr Jan Hoffmann: “Jet Aircraft of World War II”
During World War II, the first combat jet aircraft appeared. The German Messerschmitt Me 262 was a pioneering jet fighter – fast and heavily armed, but introduced too late to change the outcome of the war. The Arado Ar 234 was the first jet bomber. The British Gloster Meteor was the first Allied jet aircraft, used mainly to combat V-1 flying bombs. The jet aircraft of World War II ushered in a new era in military aviation.
• 21:00–22:00 – participants could attend a comparative lecture “Chocolate and Potassium Magnesia – Polish Aircraft RWD-13 and RWD-21” – led by an exceptional guide – YouTuber Marek Siuta.
The RWD aircraft are one of the icons of pre-war Polish aviation. Their name comes from the first letters of the surnames of three designers: Rogalski, Wigura and Drzewiecki. The team became famous for a series of light, sport and touring aircraft that combined a modern silhouette with excellent flying characteristics. Among them, the RWD-5 holds a special place – the smallest aircraft to cross the Atlantic (in 1933, piloted by Stanisław Skarżyński). RWD aircraft were a symbol of the ambition and innovation of the Second Polish Republic and remain to this day a testament to the craftsmanship of Polish aviation engineers.
Art workshops
• 17:00–18:00 – “Shining Wings” – art workshops for children aged 7–10
• 19:00–20:00 – “Shining Wings” – art workshops for children aged 7–10
• 21:00–22:00 – “Colours of the Skies” – art workshops for children aged 11–13
During the workshops, technology and art met the magic of fluorescent colours! In a creative hour, participants painted their own aircraft and decorated it using glow-in-the-dark paints!
• 19:30–20:30 – aviation film for children:
Imagine a world where cargo planes traverse exotic skies and the pilots are fearless heroes… in fur. The main character was a likeable bear – a carefree aviation enthusiast who runs an airline in a tropical port. He is accompanied by a feisty and resourceful boss, an energetic boy dreaming of flying and a loyal crew. This adventure animation featured aerial chases, sky pirates and a solid dose of humour. Set in the atmosphere of the 1930s, it combined the spirit of classic adventure films with animated fantasy.
• 21:00–23:00 – aviation film for adults:
It was an intense, gripping war film that transported the viewer into the heart of one of the most dramatic operations of World War II. It told the story of the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of Allied soldiers surrounded by the enemy on the beaches of France. The story unfolded simultaneously on land, at sea and in the air, weaving together the fates of ordinary people forced into heroism. The minimalism of dialogue, masterful cinematography and a hypnotic soundtrack heightened the sense of tension and helplessness, creating a cinematic experience that is more lived through than merely watched.
Education and fun:
• 19:00–23:30 – during these hours, the educational game “Search for the King” took place – connected to the 1000th anniversary of the Kingdom of Poland celebrated this year. Bolesław the Brave sent brave volunteers on a journey through the centuries, through the history of his kingdom and through the technology that gave our homeland power in the skies. The participants’ task was to solve aviation riddles.
• 19:00–23:00 – photo booth with aviation costumes
• 19:00–23:30 – flight simulators (MiG-21 and a World War I aircraft)
An extraordinary treat for visitors was the opportunity to tour aircraft FROM THE INSIDE!
Between 19:00 and 23:30, the Museum opened the interiors of selected aircraft and helicopters that are normally closed to the public. It was a unique opportunity to look inside such machines as:
Additionally, inside the An-26, the GRH Południe re-enactment group organised an exhibition of military equipment and historical weapons.
The promotional stand of the Małopolska Territorial Defence Brigade, which presented modern equipment of the Polish Armed Forces in the Main Building, also attracted great interest.
Thanks to favourable weather conditions, it was also possible to organise a “little surprise” – after 9:00 PM, a hot air balloon appeared on MiG Avenue, provided courtesy of the Małopolska Tourist Organisation. The balloon operators eagerly answered visitors’ questions and heated the atmosphere with a gas burner, which was extremely visually attractive.
