The town hall building was arranged as a kind of interactive signpost, a place presenting history, and at the same time directing to other institutions promoting the heritage of Oświęcim, i.e. to: Jewish Centre, Roma Association, Congregation of Seraphite Sisters, the Salesian Institute “Don Bosco” and the main building of the Castle Museum.
The exhibition presents eight centuries of the amazing history of the town of Oświęcim, from the Middle Ages, through the modern period, up to most recent history and the present day. The assumptions and concept of the exhibition assume the presentation of the history of the town of Oświęcim “in its very heart”, i.e. in the former 19th-century town hall.
The plan of the town hall building naturally suggested the division of historical content, and the visitor is led through centuries by a narrator who talk about the most important facts from the history of the town. This role was played by the Krakow actor Grzegorz Łukawski, originating from Oświęcim.
The exhibition consists of film presentations, exhibition charts containing information on the most important issues, stage design, stands and interactive applications developing selected historical content, multimedia showcases with exhibits, multimedia presentations containing extended content, film and soundtracks forming the background of the exhibition, and large-format graphics filling the exhibition space.
The opening of the exhibition was a very important event for the inhabitants and rulers of Oświęcim. Oświęcim is seen through the prism of KL Auschwitz-Birkenau and is often identified with it. Creators of the new exhibition sought to change the stereotypical perception of the town, while ensuring respect for its history and heritage.
Currently, part of the exhibition can be seen without moving from home. We invite you to watch the presentation prepared for the SYBILLA 2018 competition, which presents the entire course of work and the final effect of the challenging project, which consisted of the restoration of the city hall building and preparation of exhibition space for visitors.