The Night of Museums is a cultural festivity, where everyone can find something they like – grownups and children, art fans, enthusiasts of history, and admirers of family picnics. That special night of May 17 opened a wonderful opportunity to discover America through the footsteps of Poles together with the Emigration Museum in Gdynia! Our invitation was answered by nearly a thousand people.

A lecture by Piotr Kurpiewski entitled “Hollywood or Pollywood?” took place in the Gdynia Infobox. The listeners were taken on a journey through the world of emigrant filmmakers which begins with the foundation of Warner Bros Studios, associated nowadays with huge blockbusters, such as “Harry Potter”. The participants also had the chance to see a photograph exhibition by Jacek Laskus, which introduced us to Polish emigrants who became famous in the American film industry. These photographs were used in Agnieszka Niezgoda’s book “Hollywood PL” which was also presented that night.

Which Pole received the honorary citizenship of the United States? Whose interpretation of Shakespeare met with the admiration of the American audience? These were just a few of the questions that the participants of our urban game had to find answers to in the depths of Gdynia. The participants of this family game were rewarded with many prizes. In the meantime, under the guidance of our highly trained volunteers, Infobox offered a unique opportunity to learn how to create your own pins. There was no shortage of eager participants!

An outdoor cinema was our last attraction. The spectators weren’t put off by the windy and chilly evening. Resting in comfortable deckchairs under warm blankets, both the old and the young had a chance to watch “The Fearless Vampire Killers” (1967) by Roman Polański, which served a good deal of thrills accompanied with humor. This Night of Museums will remain an unforgettable experience for many.

Magda Jagucka, volunteer for the Emigration Museum in Gdynia