New Exhibit “Forbidden Art” Displays
Rare Concentration Camp Artwork
- PostEagle
- October 16, 2014
- Uncategorized
- 0 Comments
ILLINOIS – Thanks to the exclusive partnership of The Polish Mission of the Orchard Lake Schools, located in Orchard Lake, Michigan, and The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum of Poland, a temporary exhibit opening on October 19th at The Polish Museum of America will showcase photos of 20 rare pieces of art – created despite great personal danger – by prisoners of German Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The pieces, made illegally during the prisoners’ captivity, document the reality of the camps as well as demonstrate how making art was an important escape and respite from the horrors of imprisonment. The exhibit will be on display from October 19th, 2014 through January 11, 2015.
The first part of the exhibit displays scenes from daily life in the camps and portraits of the prisoners. The exhibit offers a window into how prisoners mentally escaped from camp reality, by creating drawings, albums containing greetings and fairy tales written for their children with whom they longed to reunite.
In addition to the photographed prints shown in the exhibit (the original objects are permanently housed at The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum), photos of a bracelet with scenes from the Lodz Ghetto found near the Auschwitz crematory, a 12 cm long sarcophagus and sculptures are highlighted. Each of the exhibit pieces is set alongside historical commentary and excerpts from archival accounts.
For this Exhibition, The Polish Museum of America will also display select items from its collections, representing the resilience of those affected by the atrocities of World War II. Highlights include the vestments made by Rev. Henryk Malak who was imprisoned at the Dachau concentration camp, as well as private papers and mementos from other concentration camp survivors.
Exhibit Hours: Friday-Tuesday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Last admission at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Last admission at 6:15 p.m. Thursday: CLOSED.
The Polish Museum of America is located at 984 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL.
Cost: Adults – $10.00; Seniors (over 62 years) & Students (over 9 years) – $9.00; Members – $8.00
*The cost includes Museum admission and entry to Forbidden Art
**The opening reception of Forbidden Art on Oct. 19 will cost $25.00 for the general public and $20.00 for members displaying a valid membership card.
The Polish Museum of America is one of the oldest and largest ethnic museums in the United States and offers visitors a range of exhibits, resources and activities related to Polish history, culture and heritage, as well as Polish-American history. Its all-inclusive exhibits and cultural events are both educational and entertaining while supporting the entire community. Its Library and extensive Archives have rendered invaluable services to historians, researchers, students and genealogists.
For more information call (773) 384-3352 or email: info@PolishMuseumOfAmerica.org
