The Sybir Memorial Museum in Białystok
This is a museum which tells the story of Polish exiles to Siberia in a way that is both modern and moving. Located in a building awarded the prestigious AEDIFICIUM Award for outstanding architecture, it combines modernity with a deep respect for history. The surroundings of the museum are carefully designed – greenery inspired by Siberian vegetation and steel poles reminiscent of taiga create a unique atmosphere. The symbolic Monument of the Heroic Sybir Mother completes the whole, paying tribute to the hard fate of the deportees. The permanent exhibition is housed in the warehouse of the former railway station, which gives the place a special authenticity. The main entrance is served by the original railway tracks, which were once used to transport thousands of people to the East. The tour begins by going inside a historic freight car, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of those tragic days.
The museum presents history in a way that affects all senses – through light, sound and even cool temperature. Thanks to this, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the experience of the deportees. The institution also organises numerous events, such as scientific conferences, meetings with travellers and the “Exhibit of the Month” series, during which you can learn about unique objects and their stories. A visit to this museum is an important lesson in history and a tribute to those who went through the traumatic experience of deportation. It is a place to reflect on the value of freedom and human dignity.
