Let us be clear: The Polish Museum in Rapperswil, established in 1870, has no connection with the Schwanen Hotel or the Pilecki Institute. Nevertheless, we are often mistakenly associated with them. The Museum has not been dissolved. We are keeping the promise made to our Donors. Just two streets away, on the main square, we continue our work – building an independent museum, preserving its tradition and history, and remaining free from political influence.
When people ask whether we are funded by the Polish Ministry of Culture or by the City of Rapperswil, they are often surprised to hear that we are supported by our Friends. Is this an easy path? Not really – but it gives us the freedom to choose our themes and exhibitions. We hope you will continue to follow this path with us. Thank you for your support. Please remember the Polish Museum in Rapperswil – a place with over 150 years of Polish presence in Europe.
The tax return season is approaching. It is a good moment to ask: where does the hard-earned money of Polish taxpayers go?
In Rapperswil, the building purchased as the seat of the Museum was taken over by the Pilecki Institute. The spaces intended for the Museum have been turned into two restaurants. Every month, taxpayers’ money is being used to support the local gastronomy in Rapperswil.
Today, passers-by walking past the Schwanen Hotel see a large giraffe in the window advertising the Knie Circus and the Cou Cou restaurant. For many Poles, the name of this restaurant has become a symbol of how the Museum – an institution built by generations of the Polish diaspora and many Swiss supporters – has been treated.
Your support matters.
