This year’s Polish Aviation Day celebrations were truly exceptional – thanks to the expansion of the Museum’s fenced grounds and the ceremonial opening of a new permanent exhibition, we welcomed over 17,000 visitors on Sunday! This is a record number that demonstrates the enormous interest in the aviation history of Poland and the important place our Museum holds in the cultural landscape of Kraków and Małopolska.
On Sunday, 24 August, the grounds of the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków were filled with an exceptional atmosphere – we celebrated Polish Aviation Day, which this year had a very special character. As part of the celebrations, the new permanent exhibition “With the Wind and Against the Wind – Civil Aviation” was ceremonially opened – the first exhibition in Poland to present the history and achievements of Polish civil aviation on such a broad scale.
From the early morning hours, the Museum’s paths filled with families with children, aviation enthusiasts and residents of Kraków who came to celebrate together one of the most important museum events of the year. The ceremonies began with Holy Mass for the intention of aviators, followed by a Roll Call of Remembrance. Participants then marched, led by the Air Force Representative Orchestra, to the new Hangar No. 5 – the venue for the opening of the new exhibition.
“The reason for our gathering is the opening of the new permanent exhibition entitled ‘With the Wind and Against the Wind – Civil Aviation’. This is an important event not only for our institution, but also for the entire aviation community. It is the first exhibition in Poland on such a large scale presenting the history of the development of Polish civil aviation, and especially the successes of our sporting pilots” – said Director of the Polish Aviation Museum Tomasz Kosecki during his speech.
The exhibition, comprising 50 large-scale exhibits – gliders, aircraft and the first Polish helicopter BŻ-1 Gil – showcases both aviation pioneers and outstanding sporting pilots, designers and civilian aviators. It also features unique memorabilia such as the Challenge Cup and the Gordon Bennett Cup, which recall the greatest triumphs of Polish aviation. – “The new exhibition is an expression of gratitude to all those who built the prestige of Polish aviation, but above all it is meant to restore Poles’ pride in the achievements of our aviators and to encourage the younger generation to take an interest in aviation” – the Museum Director emphasised.
After the official opening, the festival part of Polish Aviation Day began. The audience enjoyed spectacular aircraft flyovers and horse shows, which delighted the youngest visitors. Unfortunately, due to excessive wind, it was not possible to carry out parachute jumps. Great interest was shown in flight simulators, art workshops and an outdoor game connected with the new exhibition. Children could try their hand at a medieval village prepared for the jubilee of the 1000th anniversary of the Kingdom of Poland – there, pottery, blacksmithing, and archery workshops as well as knightly tournaments awaited them.
Among the attractions were also an AI photo booth, science shows by the Małopolska Science Centre Cogiteon, exhibitions of vintage cars and bicycles, and historical re-enactments.
Aviation enthusiasts had the opportunity to attend a very interesting panel discussion on civil aviation with the participation of distinguished guests: Karol Zawisza, Marian Wieczorek, Adela Dankowska and Jarosław Dobrzyński. It was a unique occasion to hear the stories of outstanding aviators who experienced real-life adventures in the skies.
This year, the Polish Aviation Museum also joined the nationwide celebrations of the exceptional jubilee of the 1000th anniversary of the Kingdom of Poland. On this occasion, a medieval village was created on the Museum grounds, transporting visitors back to the times of King Bolesław the Brave. Re-enactors prepared a host of attractions – everyone could try their hand at archery, fighting with safe swords, javelin throwing and commoner competitions. There were also workshops in traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, weaving and braiding amulets from straw and hay. The knight village became one of the most popular points in the programme, especially among families with children who enthusiastically discovered the secrets of medieval life and entertainment.
In his speech, the Museum Director emphasised that the creation of the new exhibition was made possible thanks to broad support: – “This investment and today’s ceremony would not have been possible without the goodwill of the Board of the Małopolska Voivodeship. I extend special thanks to Marshal Łukasz Smółka, Deputy Marshal Iwona Gibas and the entire Board of the Małopolska Voivodeship”.
He also addressed heartfelt words of gratitude to the Patrons and Sponsors of the exhibition, including Kraków-Balice International Airport, LOT Polish Airlines, PZL Mielec, Pratt & Whitney Tubes and Polish Aviation Group. He also extended special thanks to the Exhibition Ambassadors – outstanding Polish pilots and aviation authorities who lent their name and authority to give the venture additional prestige.
In conclusion, the Director addressed all Museum colleagues: – “Today’s ceremony and tomorrow’s Polish Aviation Day celebrations are the culmination of our three years of work and a cause for joy that we wish to share with all visitors to our Museum. Once again, I thank everyone who in any way contributed to the realisation of this undertaking”*
This year’s Polish Aviation Day, combined with the opening of the new permanent exhibition, will go down in the Museum’s history as one of the most important events in recent years – a moment when the Polish aviation tradition gained not only a beautiful setting but also a new space for popularisation and education.
*The full text of the speech by Tomasz Kosecki – Director of the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków can be downloaded here.
The evening attractions became an exceptional culmination of Polish Aviation Day. Colourful hot air balloon canopies lit up the Museum sky, creating an extraordinary spectacle of light and fire. Just after dusk, the audience could admire a spectacular multimedia show – an artistic mapping on the facade of Hangar No. 5, which symbolically depicted the greatest triumphs of Polish Wings. The projections, combining image, music and light, took viewers on a journey through the history of aviation victories, paying tribute to the courage, passion and innovation of Polish aviators.
Honorary Patrons of Polish Aviation Day 2025 and the opening of the exhibition “With the Wind and Against the Wind – Civil Aviation”:
Voivode of Małopolska – Krzysztof Jan Klęczar
Marshal of the Małopolska Voivodeship – Łukasz Smółka
Aeroklub Polski
Małopolska Tourist Organisation
National Museum Institute
National Centre for Culture
Sponsors of Polish Aviation Day 2025:
Military Property Agency
Krakodlew S.A.
Mini Melts
Media Patrons of Polish Aviation Day and the opening of the new permanent exhibition “With the Wind and Against the Wind – Civil Aviation”:
TVP Info
TVP Historia
TVP 3 Kraków
Dziennik Polski
Gazeta Krakowska
Polska Zbrojna. Historia
Radio ESKA
RDN Małopolska
Aviation24.pl
Dlapilota.pl
MILMAG
