Józef Czechowicz Literary Museum in Lublin

The Józef Czechowicz Literary Museum in Lublin, a branch of the National Museum, is dedicated to collecting and providing access to materials related to the life and works of Józef Czechowicz and other writers from the Lublin region. The institution is housed in a historic tenement building at 3 Złota Street in the Old Town, where it began its operations on September 9, 2002, after previously being relocated from Wincenty Pol’s manor. The building that hosts the museum highlights Lublin’s architectural heritage, and its history certainly dates back to the city’s rich past. The museum was opened on the 29th anniversary of Czechowicz’s death in 1968, in a former monastery building, where it remained until 1999, when the institution was temporarily moved to another location. The main goals of the museum include not only exhibiting manuscripts but also documenting the literary life of the region. The collections feature manuscripts by prominent Polish writers such as Czesław Miłosz and Wisława Szymborska, attracting literature enthusiasts. Complementing the museum’s offerings is a library of approximately 10,000 volumes, along with a collection of archival periodicals, recordings, and memorabilia. The museum also hosts permanent exhibitions, including "Józef Czechowicz 1903–1939" and "The History of the Tenement at Złota 3," which provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Czechowicz’s legacy and Lublin’s literary context. The pioneer and first director of the museum was Dr. Józef Zięba, followed by Prof. Dr. Hab. Aleksander Wójtowicz, both of whom played a significant role in the development of this cultural institution. Thus, the museum stands as an important element of Lublin’s cultural identity, blending historical heritage with modern methods of promoting literature.