The Ari Ari Foundation has recently published the English version of a study entitled ‘Private Museums, Local Collections. Research Report’, which focuses on the increasing presence of private museums in Poland.

Research was carried out in 2012 in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie (Kuyavia-Pomerania) and Mazowieckie (Mazovia) provinces, where over 50 private museums were analysed.

The report focuses on people who run their own museums, typically as a one-person business, and who, in spite of the unfavourable legal, economic and social environment, establish mini cultural facilities that are way beyond the typical approach to how a “classic” museum operates.

Watch 'My Museum', a short film with testimonials from three private museum owners in Poland, talking about their approach to keeping local memories alive:

http://vimeo.com/63706310

The study analyses three aspects:

- analysis of the processes related to the establishment, organisation and management of private museums;

- characteristics of private museums and various aspects of their work;

- analysis of the reception of private museums at local and regional level, with regard to their social, economic, political and cultural context.

The report depicts a complex, changing landscape of museum institutions, as well as the individual stories, attitudes and approaches of staff involved in their management. Recommendations aimed at museum owners, public authorities and audiences are also presented.

The research report was conducted within the ‘Obserwatorium kultury’ programme, which was financed by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, and the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province. It was carried out under the patronage of the National Institute for Museums and Public Collections.

Download the pdf here: private museums-local collections-poland-report