Your visit
Opening hours:
November-March
Mondays: Closed Tuesday-Sunday: 9am-4pm
April-October
Mondays: Closed Tuesday-Sunday: 9am-5pm
Address:
Droga Męczenników Majdanka 67
20-325 Lublin, Poland
Comparative Questions
What narrative is offered to the visitors?
The relics of the camp, historical photographs, documents, and audiovisual accounts of former prisoners are displayed in the museum. Additionally, there’s an outdoor exhibition complementing the historical display. It features glass panels with historical commentary installed within post-camp structures (showers, bunker with gas chambers, residential barracks in Field III, crematorium). Along the visitor route, there are elements of the „Konzentrationslager Lublin 1941-1944“ historical path, describing the main facilities and sites connected to the camp’s history, presenting their appearance during the existence of KL Lublin or just after its liquidation. Additional panels with testimonies from witnesses – KL Lublin prisoners and SS staff members – document essential aspects of the camp’s functioning and pivotal historical events.
A significant part of the camp’s buildings has been preserved or reconstructed on the Majdanek grounds (about 70 objects): some prisoner barracks, barbed wire fencing separating various camp sections, guard towers, showers, gas chambers, crematoria, as well as utility buildings and warehouses. In 1969, the Monument of Struggle and Martyrdom, designed by Wiktor Tołkin, was unveiled in Majdanek. It consists of two main parts: a Monument in the form of a stylized camp gate and a Mausoleum resembling a funerary urn containing the ashes of the victims, with the inscription „Our fate is a warning for you.“ These two parts of the memorial are connected by a third element, the Avenue of Homage and Memory.
In Barrack No. 47, there’s an installation titled „Shrine – Place of Nameless Victim’s Memory,“ designed by Tadeusz Mysłowski. It comprises a symbolic visual composition (50 spheres made of barbed wire, a memory book of 50 nations), Zbigniew Bargielski’s oratory piece, excerpts from Majdanek prisoners‘ memoirs, and prayers from Poles, Jews, Russians, and Roma.
Is there a person or a group, the narrative is centered around?
The central focus of the narrative at the State Museum at Majdanek revolves around the prisoners, encompassing all the individuals who suffered, perished, or experienced the horrors within the camp. Their stories, personal testimonies, and the collective tragedy they endured take center stage, emphasizing the profound human toll of the Holocaust and World War II. However, the museum also provides a comprehensive view by shedding light on the oppressors, detailing their biographies and actions. This inclusion offers a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and ideologies that fueled such brutality. By presenting the perspectives and actions of the oppressors, it allows visitors to comprehend the magnitude of the atrocities committed, highlighting the systematic and calculated nature of the camp’s operations. This dual narrative approach, focusing on both the victims and oppressors, provides a more holistic understanding of the historical context. It humanizes the victims while also portraying the oppressors‘ roles and actions, thereby creating a more comprehensive and nuanced depiction of the tragedy that unfolded at Majdanek.
Are pictures or images important in the construction of the museum narrative?
The State Museum at Majdanek has exhibitions mainly in barracks where the prisoners were kept. They consist of personal belongings, weapons used and focuses on individuals from the camp.
The actual pictures aren’t as present because of the ability to visit the real place where everything took place. There’s also plenty of temporary exhibitions including anti-war and memorial artworks. By deciding on guided tours its possible to see films from former prisoners, where they talk about the experience and share their narratives.
Photographs, artwork, and historical images, serve as powerful tools to convey the depth of the experiences within the camp and the broader context of the Holocaust and World War II. Visual elements evoke strong emotional responses, helping visitors connect more deeply with the stories and experiences of those affected by war. They can elicit empathy and a sense of personal connection to the individuals portrayed in the images. They often accompany written descriptions or audio guides, enhancing the overall museum experience. In the construction of the museum’s narrative, images act as poignant storytellers, supplementing textual information and artifacts, creating a more immersive and impactful experience for visitors. They bridge the gap between the past and the present, allowing individuals to witness and comprehend the magnitude of the events that occurred at Majdanek and beyond.
Are there objects, Documents or Testimonies?
Objects and documents are the main part of remembering the actions. Shoes, clothes, personal photographs or even diaries, letters and poetry are what is presented. The museum shares an individual and personal point of experience, focusing on the belongings that help identify and sympathize with actual victims.
They hold immense significance in shaping the narrative and storytelling within the museum context. They represent the lived experiences of individuals, serving as powerful symbols of human stories, suffering, and resilience. Objects humanize historical events, providing a visceral understanding. Written records, official papers, letters, diaries, and other documentation provide invaluable historical evidence. They offer insights into the bureaucratic mechanisms, policies, and decisions that shaped the wartime experience. Documents also personalize history, revealing individual stories, emotions, and struggles amidst the broader historical context. Personal accounts and testimonies from survivors, witnesses, and those involved in the events serve as invaluable resources. These narratives provide a human perspective, capturing the emotional impact and personal trauma. Testimonies convey the stories of resilience, survival, loss, and hope.In the construction of the museum’s narrative, these elements work synergistically. Objects provide a physical connection, documents offer factual information, and testimonies provide emotional depth. Together, they create a multifaceted and comprehensive portrayal of history, ensuring that the museum’s narrative is rich, authentic, and impactful. These diverse sources of information and storytelling methods help visitors engage with and comprehend the multifaceted aspects of the wartime experience.
Further Questions
What kind of experience is offered?
The State Museum at Majdanek offers a deeply immersive experience that touches visitors on multiple levels. It’s not just a repository of historical facts; it’s a journey through the heart-wrenching realities of the Holocaust and World War II. As visitors walk through the exhibits, they’re not merely learning history—they’re feeling it. The artifacts, testimonies, and documentation paint a vivid picture, evoking a profound emotional response. From sadness and empathy to reflection and contemplation, the museum’s somber atmosphere invites visitors to emotionally connect with the tragedies of the past. But it’s not just about stirring emotions; it’s about sparking thoughts. The museum prompts introspection, urging visitors to ponder the consequences of war, discrimination, and hatred. It’s a space for reflection on the value of peace, tolerance, and the vital lessons history offers us. Moreover, the museum stands as a solemn memorial, honoring the memory of those who suffered and perished. It’s a tribute to their resilience and humanity, offering a space for remembrance and paying homage to their stories. And it’s not a one-sided experience. Some exhibits offer interactive elements, drawing visitors into history through multimedia presentations or guided tours. These engaging elements make the past more accessible, encouraging a more profound engagement with the exhibits. In essence, the State Museum at Majdanek provides a thought-provoking and comprehensive experience. It aims to educate, stir emotions, and compel visitors to confront the weight of the past, ultimately urging us to shape a more empathetic and peaceful future.
Is there a person or a group that the museum is addressing?
The State Museum at Majdanek primarily addresses its narrative to all visitors, regardless of their background, nationality, or affiliation. The museum’s message is universal and aims to reach a diverse audience, including:
- General Public: The museum invites the general public, both local and international visitors, to learn about the history of the Holocaust, World War II, and the specific events at Majdanek. It educates individuals who may have varying levels of prior knowledge about the historical events and their significance.
- Students and Educational Groups: Educational institutions often visit the museum to provide students with firsthand knowledge about the consequences of war, human rights, tolerance, and the importance of learning from history.
- Survivors, Families, and Descendants: The museum also serves as a place of remembrance and commemoration for survivors, their families, and descendants of those affected by the Holocaust and World War II. It offers a space for reflection and tribute.
- Researchers and Scholars: Scholars, historians, and researchers interested in studying the Holocaust, wartime atrocities, and related subjects visit the museum to access historical records, documents, and artifacts for academic purposes.
- Advocates for Peace and Human Rights: Individuals and groups advocating for peace, human rights, and tolerance find the museum’s narrative and message aligning with their values. They may visit to deepen their understanding and further their advocacy efforts.
The museum’s narrative is inclusive and aims to convey its message to a broad spectrum of visitors, encouraging reflection, education, and remembrance while emphasizing the universal relevance of its themes and lessons.