The director of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk, Prof. Grzegorz Berendt, has been relieved of his post by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. A statement from the Museum Council declares opposition to the ministry’s decision and calls for reconsideration based on Berendt’s track record and leadership.
On February 2 of this year, the ministry announced the resignation of Prof. Grzegorz Berendt from the position of director, effective March 31, 2024. The ministry cited a lack of alignment between the director’s approach and the ministry’s policies and activities as the reason for the decision, despite seven years in the role since 2022. Berendt’s tenure is described by supporters as marked by substantial contributions to the museum and to the public understanding of history.
– the ministry’s notice read.
We assessed the director’s work as highly positive
Members of the Museum Council acknowledged the strong performance of Prof. Grzegorz Berendt during his time at the helm.
As the council overseeing the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk, the seven-member body, appointed for 2022–2026, is responsible for ensuring the museum fulfills its obligations to the public and to the nation’s historical record. They describe the ministry’s move as unfair and potentially damaging. Berendt is praised for thoughtful, objective decisions and for his extensive expertise in history and museum administration, which earned him recognition not only among Polish colleagues but internationally.
– the statement continues.
From the council’s perspective, the resignation of a prominent historian and experienced director could hinder the museum’s work and affect the cohesion of the entire Gdańsk team.
– note the signatories, including Prof. Ph.D. Tadeusz Wolsza as Chairman and fellow members Dr hab. Sławomir Cenckiewicz, Dr Karol Nawrocki, Jarosław Sellin, Dr hab. Piotr Niwiński, Piotr Semka, and Dr Jarosław Wasowicz. The position is corroborated by formal signatures within the statement, reflecting a collective stance on leadership and institutional continuity.
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Source: wPolityce