Odtwarzanie średniowiecza a muzea w Polsce po 1989 roku. Zmarnowany potencjał wspólnego dziedzictwa?

Abstract

REENACTING THE MIDDLE AGES AND
MUSEUMS IN POLAND AFTER 1989. A WASTED
POTENTIAL OF THE COMMON HERITAGE?

From the chronological perspective, the Middle Ages constitute roughly a half of Poland’s history. However, this fact does not translate into proportions in terms of and promotion of our cultural heritage, including the activity of Polish museums. This, in turn, has an impact on the consolidation of numerous, unjustified stereotypes about the Middle Ages. Paradoxically, among history lovers, including those involved in the reenactment movement, this very historical period enjoys the greatest popularity. At the same time, the mediaeval reenactment phenomenon develops parallel to the museum boom which has been observed since the mid-1990s. Meanwhile, chronological concurrence does not necessarily mean synergy. So, we have an enormous social potential on the one hand, and a stable and lasting institutional base on the other. The mediaeval period seems, for a number of reasons, a very good subject area for cooperation. Therefore, it is well worthwhile examining the phenomenon of historical reenactment and the role it plays (or can play) in museums, as well as scrutinizing the image of the Middle Ages which is being presented to society. In order to be able to better understand this phenomenon and its development in the context of Polish museology, it is advisable to go back to the political transformation which took place after 1989 and retrace the process of changes up until the present day. If we follow through the activity of reenactment groups we will notice that such groups often lack factual verification, which frequently leads to oversimplification. The space of museums, we might presume, should be a good place for preventing such risks, a venue of the more comprehensive approach where history can be reenacted in a rich, multi-faceted context. Genuine examples of a direct and very concrete involvement of museums in historical reconstructions, as well as examples of reconstruction groups showing their openness to engage in more institutional forms of activity, including exhibition and academic projects, do exist. It seems, however, that such instances are still too rare. Meanwhile, our mediaeval heritage, despite its limitations, possesses huge potential and presents a major challenge for Polish museology.