Arms and Colour

The Gallery Arms and Colour presents a selection of the most valuable objects of Polish, European and Oriental armaments from around the year 1000 to the middle of the 19th century.

Militaria is a collection of historical artefacts, collected since the beginning of the National Museum in Krakow. Its creation is inextricably linked with the generosity of society. Numerous gifts, donated by the inhabitants of the former lands of the Republic of Poland made the NMK, shortly after its creation, one of the largest treasures of Polish historical memorabilia.

Historical militaria are not merely tools of war. Arms, which have accompanied man since the dawn of time, have determined his safety and survival. Over time, it began to gain symbolic and religious meanings, signifying prestige or reflecting the technological advancement of its owners and users.

Among the works collected at the exhibition, one should distinguish memorabilia related to hetman Stanisław Jabłonowski, one of the commanders of the Battle of Vienna in 1683: a karacena armour and a pure gold mace, richly adorned with precious stones. The exhibition also features memorabilia related to the Radziwiłł, Lubomirski and Potocki families, as well as historical figures such as Tadeusz Kościuszko and Józef Poniatowski.

Curator: Michał Dziewulski

Arrangement: Anna Wisz

Coordination: Katarzyna Migacz

Co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage

Project title: Arms and Colour – a new display of the permanent exhibition.