Exhibition "Gaude Mater Polonia. John Paul II in His Homeland. June 2–10, 1979"

On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the first pilgrimage of Pope John Paul II to Poland, the IPN National Education Office invites you to an exhibition like no other. The exhibition "Gaude Mater Polonia. John Paul II in the Homeland. June 2–10, 1979" will visit 5 cities over the course of 7 days that were on the route of the papal visit almost half a century ago.

The first pilgrimage of Pope John Paul II to Poland was a groundbreaking historical event that strengthened the national identity of Poles, gave strength to opposition movements and had a huge impact on the development of "Solidarity". John Paul II's words inspired the fight for freedom and human rights, and his spiritual message strengthened the faith and unity of the nation.

The exhibition "Gaude Mater Polonia. John Paul II in the Homeland. June 2–10, 1979" presents the pilgrimage itself, its historical context and the subsequent consequences and impact on socio-political changes in an attractive way. It tells about various events related to it. An interesting fact will be the presentation of the Popemobile - a vehicle specially built to transport the Holy Father during his journey around Poland. The vehicle is a faithful reconstruction of the Popemobile, built from original parts, permanently displayed at the Museum of the Papal Car JP2 in Kielce.

It has been 45 years since Pope John Paul II's pilgrimage to Poland. By visiting the exhibition, we have a unique opportunity to reminisce or familiarize ourselves with these extraordinary moments. And for those – who were eyewitnesses to the papal visit in that memorable year and want to share their memories – we will provide a place in the exhibition space where we will record testimonies. We want to preserve them as an important element of collective memory and national identity, associated with this important event in Polish history.

In Gniezno, Częstochowa and Krakow, the exhibition will be graced by a screening of the documentary film "Nine Days That Changed Poland" produced by the IPN's National Education Office. The film uses fragments of the 1979 film "Pilgrim" directed by Andrzej Trzos-Rastawiecki, supplemented by statements by Piotr Dmitrowicz, director of the John Paul II Museum and Primate Wyszyński.

source: Institute of National Remembrance