DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.31076#0155
In a few years, everything changed as if with a magic wand.
Large-scale privatization brought thousands of new firms in
place of unprofitable state businesses. Shops were filled up
with goods produced in the country, as well as imported from
abroad. Cracow, as much as other Polish cities, started to imi-
tate the Western world. Since the borders stood open and for-
eign currencies were easily obtainable in numerous exchange
offices, Poles traveled extensively.
Various enterprises and activities were continued, and some
new ones were added. An institute called the Intemational Center
of Culture was founded, as well as the Center of Japanese Art and
Technics, whose imposing new building was designed by
Japanese architect Arata Izosaki. Initiated and partially funded by
Andrzej Wajda, the Center aroused great interest as the exhibition
hall of Feliks Manggha Jasienski’s collection in the National
Museum, as well as a place where film shows, concerts, and the-
ater performances of Japanese artists were held.
In 1950 the National Museum assumed stewardship of the
Museum of Princes Czartoryski and executed a general reno-
vation of the old buildings, as well as the erection of a new edi-
fice for the Czartoryski Library. In 1992 the Foundation of
Princes Czartoryski was established, operating under the aus-
pices of the National Museum. The National Museum was fur-
ther expanded with new departments dedicated to Stanislaw
Wyspianski, to the painter Jozef Mehoffer, and to the composer
Karol Szymanowski; and, after many troubles, the museum’s
New Building (the Main Building) was also completed. It now
houses a large gallery of Polish contemporary art and perma-
nent exhibitions of militaria and of decorative art.
145
Large-scale privatization brought thousands of new firms in
place of unprofitable state businesses. Shops were filled up
with goods produced in the country, as well as imported from
abroad. Cracow, as much as other Polish cities, started to imi-
tate the Western world. Since the borders stood open and for-
eign currencies were easily obtainable in numerous exchange
offices, Poles traveled extensively.
Various enterprises and activities were continued, and some
new ones were added. An institute called the Intemational Center
of Culture was founded, as well as the Center of Japanese Art and
Technics, whose imposing new building was designed by
Japanese architect Arata Izosaki. Initiated and partially funded by
Andrzej Wajda, the Center aroused great interest as the exhibition
hall of Feliks Manggha Jasienski’s collection in the National
Museum, as well as a place where film shows, concerts, and the-
ater performances of Japanese artists were held.
In 1950 the National Museum assumed stewardship of the
Museum of Princes Czartoryski and executed a general reno-
vation of the old buildings, as well as the erection of a new edi-
fice for the Czartoryski Library. In 1992 the Foundation of
Princes Czartoryski was established, operating under the aus-
pices of the National Museum. The National Museum was fur-
ther expanded with new departments dedicated to Stanislaw
Wyspianski, to the painter Jozef Mehoffer, and to the composer
Karol Szymanowski; and, after many troubles, the museum’s
New Building (the Main Building) was also completed. It now
houses a large gallery of Polish contemporary art and perma-
nent exhibitions of militaria and of decorative art.
145