Symbols of Freedom. The History of the National Emblem and Colors

Exhibition opening: September 29 (Tuesday), 12:00 PM

Where do Polish national symbols come from and what is their history? From September 29, 2026 to December 31, 2027, answers to these questions can be found at the new temporary exhibition at the Museum of the National Anthem in Będomin, a branch of the National Museum in Gdańsk, located in the historic manor house where Józef Wybicki was born.

The exhibition presents national symbols as a living language of memory and forms that have changed with the fate of the state, but have never lost their ability to express the most important values: freedom, dignity, and continuity of tradition. It tells the story of identity, pride, and history recorded in national colors, uncovering the genesis of the oldest Polish symbols, explaining their meaning, and showing how they dynamically changed over the centuries. These simple symbols – the White Eagle, the national cockade, or the white and red flag – became carriers of emotions and experiences of subsequent generations, accompanying moments of triumph and defeat, hope and resistance, and at the same time remaining a space where everyone could find their own history.

The heart of the exhibition is a rich collection of national emblem images, allowing to trace the evolution of the White Eagle through numerous exhibits remembering the times of the Jagiellonian dynasty's power, the moment of regaining independence in 1918, up to completely contemporary forms. In addition to images of the emblem, the exhibition will feature numerous flags and ensigns that have united Poles for centuries. However, the exhibition is not limited only to objects, but also tells about people – from war heroes to contemporary masters.

– Among the most interesting and moving objects is the original Prussian eagle, which immediately after regaining independence was transformed into the Polish emblem, becoming a tangible symbol of throwing off the yoke of partitions. Of great historical value are the battle-sanctified armband of the Warsaw Uprising insurgent and the naval ensigns that flew on the masts of the destroyer ORP Błyskawica during the battles of World War II and the famous Dar Pomorza – says exhibition curator Przemysław Rey.

This historical journey is complemented by contemporary witnesses, including flags accompanying Polish troops during missions in Iraq or the flag that flew over the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station. Each object in the exhibition has its own unique history.