Museum of Two Nations in Bielsk Podlaski

The Museum of Two Nations in Bielsk Podlaski, operating as a branch of the Podlasie Museum in Białystok, is housed in a late Baroque town hall built in 1776 by Izabela Branicka. Designed by Jan Sękowski, the town hall is one of the most beautiful in Poland, featuring a distinctive hipped roof with a clock tower. The building has undergone numerous renovations, including the addition of columned arcades in the 19th century and modifications made by the Germans during World War II. The history of the town hall is closely tied to the functioning of courts, trade, and public institutions, and in 1984, it was converted into a museum. The museum’s collections focus on the history and culture of Bielsk Podlaski, including a rich assortment of postcards and photographs from the 20th century, as well as works by folk artists and ethnographic exhibits showcasing local traditions. The museum is actively involved in education, offering programs for children and youth aimed at facilitating an understanding of local history and art, as well as nurturing aesthetic sensitivity among young people. An added value of the museum is its dynamically growing collection of works by contemporary artists connected to the region, making it an important venue not only in the context of local history but also contemporary artistic culture.