Stawisko

The Anna and Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz Museum in Stawisko, established in 1980 according to Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz's will, is located in a historic residence in Podkowa Leśna. The building, designed in a manor style with neoclassical elements, has retained its authentic character of a wealthy Polish home, and its interiors house numerous collections: manuscripts, books, paintings, and furniture. The villa was designed by Stanisław Gądzikiewicz and completed in 1928. Initially, Stawisko was intended for farming, but over time the area became overgrown with forest. During the interwar period, the place became an important literary hub, hosting many prominent creators such as Karol Szymanowski and Julian Tuwim. During World War II, Stawisko served as a refuge for many artists and exiles from Warsaw. After the war, it hosted distinguished figures from culture and politics, and after Iwaszkiewicz's death, the museum began to serve as a guardian of his legacy, including manuscripts and paintings. The museum also conducts educational activities, organizing museum lessons and the annual J. Iwaszkiewicz Recitation Competition. The interior and exterior of the building have been systematically conserved, contributing to the preservation of its unique atmosphere, as if the owners were only temporarily absent. An interesting fact is that this place was a center for meetings of creators and intellectuals during difficult times, making it an important site in Polish literary and cultural history.