Archive 2024

Continuation of the Kościuszko Tradition

On October 20, 2024, a ceremony was held to commemorate the 207th anniversary of Tadeusz Kościuszko's death. In Zuchwil, a wreath-laying ceremony took place in front of the general’s monument, attended by representatives of the Polish and American embassies.

The Polish Embassy was represented by the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Poland, Marek Minarczuk, Consul Kinga Koltun, and Defense, Military, and Air Attaché Colonel Pawel Piecyk, while Major Mikhail A. Fedorchik represented the American side. The ceremony was honored by the presence of representatives from the city and canton of Solothurn, the municipality of Zuchwil, as well as members of the Polish community and local guests.

A delegation from the "Solbet" Capital Group, led by Director Krystyna Rembiałkowska from Solec Kujawski, Poland, also attended the celebrations. The company sponsored a trip to Switzerland for two of the best students from the Tadeusz Kościuszko School in Solec Kujawski and the school’s director, allowing them to visit the museum and participate in the celebrations.

All attendees were welcomed by Stefanie Ingold, Mayor of Solothurn.

This year, two weeping willows were planted, continuing a tradition from 1832. At that time, Ludwika Sosnowska’s granddaughter planted two willows in Zuchwil to remember the unfulfilled love between Kościuszko and Ludwika. Her father had forbidden her to marry the less wealthy suitor.

Summer at the Museum

As part of this year's "Summer at the Museum," visitors had the opportunity on August 24th to explore the museum's rooms for free, attend a guitar concert, and visit a book fair. The stands were dominated by publications about the life and work of Tadeusz Kościuszko – both in Polish and German. This offered a great opportunity to learn more about this remarkable figure and his impact on the history of Poland and other countries.

Among the available books were classic biographies as well as lesser-known studies and albums featuring unique photos and documents. Visitors included history enthusiasts, tourists, and families with children. The subtle sounds of the guitar created a special atmosphere in the museum's historic setting, encouraging discussions about cultural topics, thoughts, and perspectives.

History lessons in the museum instead of at school 

On Saturday 15 June, the Tadeusz Kościuszko Museum offered an unusual history lesson. Young people from the Polish school of the Polish Embassy in Bern, which is based in Zurich, had the opportunity to experience history in a lively way on the museum's premises.

The pupils listened with great interest to the information about Tadeusz Kościuszko and explored the museum's impressive collections. During the break, they enjoyed the cosy atmosphere in the courtyard.

The young people were enthusiastic about our exhibition and admired the preserved fortifications and the beautiful old buildings of the city.

Thank you very much for your visit - we look forward to seeing you again!

Members of the Polish Parliament visit the museum 

On 30 April, a delegation from the Polish-Swiss Parliamentary Group, consisting of Kazimierz Gołojuch MEP, Tadeusz Chrzan MEP, Zbigniew Ziejewski MEP, Józefa Szczurek-Żelazko MEP, Krzysztof Gadowski, State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, and Senator Józef Zając, visited the Kościuszko Museum.  

The guests from Poland were accompanied by the Polish Ambassador Iwona Kozłowska and the staff of the Polish Embassy in Bern.  The curator of the museum introduced the delegation to the history of Kościuszko's stay in Solothurn. 

After visiting the museum, the parliamentary group travelled to Zuchwil, where they laid a wreath in front of the Tadeusz Kościuszko memorial. The Polish chapel, which was restored and designed by soldiers from the 2nd Foot Guards Division who were interned in Switzerland during the Second World War, attracted a great deal of interest. 

230th Anniversary of the Kościuszko Uprising

230 years ago, on March 24, 1794, Tadeusz Kościuszko solemnly took an oath on the main square of Krakow, thus heralding the onset of a national uprising known as the Kościuszko Uprising. This uprising marked the final attempt to save the Republic of Poland and restore its full sovereignty.

To commemorate this anniversary, the Kościuszko Museum in Solothurn was inaugurated on Sunday, March 24, 2024, opening its collections to visitors. It provided an opportunity to admire the magnificent painting by Wojciech Kossak titled "The Oath on the Market Square in Krakow."