Arkady Fiedler Literary Workshop Museum in Puszczykowo

The Arkady Fiedler Literary Workshop Museum in Puszczykowo is an institution dedicated to the life and work of the traveler and writer Arkady Fiedler. The museum is located in the Fiedler family villa from 1926, which the author purchased in 1946 after his wartime emigration. Opened on January 1, 1974, it quickly gained popularity due to its unique exhibits, which prompted Fiedler to make his collection accessible to the public. The villa, listed in the register of monuments in 2003, is an example of 1920s architecture. The museum has not received subsidies since 1991 and is therefore self-sustaining. The exhibition includes numerous collections related to Fiedler's travels and his activities during World War II, with a notable ethnographic, natural history, and entomological collection. Among the most valuable exhibits are trophies from expeditions, ritual sculptures, and a collection of Fiedler's books in 23 languages. Since 2003, visitors can also explore a separate exhibition dedicated to Native Americans. An integral part of the museum is the Garden of Tolerance, which features models of significant sculptures and cultural objects from various civilizations, including replicas of a Buddha statue, the Gate of the Sun from Tiwanaku, and Christopher Columbus's ship, the Santa María. The garden also includes a replica of the Hawker Hurricane Mk I, the aircraft flown by Polish pilots of the 303 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. The museum attracts over a million visitors from around the world each year, offering not only a rich collection of exhibits but also the opportunity to explore diverse cultures through architecture and art.