Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences

The Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences (PAU), established in 1872 in Kraków, is a scientific institution with the status of an association that brings together the elite of the academic community. Its main headquarters is the building at 17 Sławkowska Street, which continues the tradition of the Kraków Scientific Society. PAU organizes its activities within six departments that conduct research in various scientific fields, as well as monthly scientific seminars and discussions. During the partitions of Poland, PAU published encyclopedias and supported educational activities, including cooperation with the Polish Motherland Schools. After World War II, the institution found itself in a difficult situation when the communist authorities imposed restrictions, leading to its dissolution. It was only reestablished in 1989, restoring its traditional forms of operation. An interesting fact is that PAU’s doors are open to people outside the institution, which fosters collaboration and integration within the scientific community. It also hosts the Center for Research on Armenian Culture in Poland, which promotes studies related to the history of Armenians in Poland. Additionally, the Science Archive at PAU preserves valuable historical documents, including the legacies of prominent scholars. Contemporary activities of PAU include organizing the Science Café and Seminars, which attract participants eager to expand their knowledge of modern social and cultural challenges. The PAU and PAS Scientific Library houses a rich collection, including valuable manuscripts and old prints, making it one of the most important research centers in Poland. From an architectural perspective, PAU’s headquarters in Kraków, with its building style, fits into the historical context of the city, which is a center of Polish culture and science. PAU continues to actively participate in international scientific cooperation, organizing research and conferences with scholars from various countries, including collaboration with the Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences in Canada and the Polish Library in Paris.