The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum

The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum

The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum
20 Princes Gate
Kensington and Chelsea
London
SW7 1PT

Tel: 020 7589 9249

Web: The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum

About The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum

With the termination of hostilities in 1945 and the recognition by the Allies of the Soviet imposed Communist Government in Poland, it became obvious that the overwhelming majority of Polish ex-servicemen and civilian nationals would not choose to return to their Soviet dominated homeland.
As a result, a large community of Poles remained in exile. One of the more pressing needs of this disposessed and exiled society was the preservation of all that bore witness to their struggle: of the values and aspirations fought for, of the new and better Poland they had hoped to build once the German invader had been defeated. What this meant in practical terms was the preservation of historical records, documents, regimental standards, uniforms, insignia, notable works of art and literature and, last but not least, innumerable personal effects which had once belonged to statesmen, diplomats, academics, military leaders and ordinary men and women. It was for this purpose - to consolidate and conserve a precious heritage - that the premises at 20 Princes Gate were acquired.
The institution was named after General W?adyslaw Sikorski, who as soldier and statesman had personified the hopes and aspirations of a nation which had, by a repetition of history, found herself shackled by her mo