Cele Bezpieki

About the museum

In the cellars of the building at Al. Ujazdowskich 11, which housed the Ministry of Public Security, opponents from the independence underground were held between 1945 and 1954. Among those imprisoned here were Gen. August Emil Fieldorf “Nil” and Jan Rodowicz “Anoda”. In the building, which now houses the Ministry of Justice, the original cells and punishment cells have survived.

The Warsaw Uprising Museum set up an exhibition in these rooms covering about 600 m², opened in 2018. In six cells, conservators secured dozens of traces left by prisoners: drawings, monograms, sayings and fragments of tally-mark calendars. Three cells have been restored to their historical condition.

The exhibition tells the story of the post-war fate of the insurgents and of communist repression against young people who fought for independence. It shows memorabilia of prisoners from the prisons on Rakowiecka Street, 11 Listopada Street, in Wronki, Fordon and Kraków, such as a chess set, a medallion made of bread, a small cross or beads made of fish bones; the objects come from a collection begun in 2015. The exhibition, which contrasts officers of the security apparatus with heroes of the anti-communist underground, is supplemented by museum lessons and lectures. After a break, it has been open to visitors again since 1 March 2022, on new terms.

Key themes

• Original cells and punishment cells of the former Ministry of Public Security detention centre
• Traces left by prisoners: drawings, monograms, tally-mark calendars
• Memorabilia of prisoners, including a chess set and a bread medallion
• The story of Gen. Fieldorf “Nil” and Jan Rodowicz “Anoda”
• Museum lessons for pupils from grade 8

Permanent exhibition

• Cele Bezpieki – Permanent exhibition in the cellars of the former Ministry of Public Security on the fate of insurgents and underground soldiers persecuted in 1945–1954, with original cells and punishment cells.

Founded

2018

Operated by

Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Admission is free on Thursdays (according to the museum’s information from 2022).

Free admission is granted, among others, to Warsaw Uprising veterans, combatants, persons persecuted, holders of the Karta Polaka, members of the Museum Friends Club, museum employees and journalists with a press ID.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

• Family tours & workshops

The subject of the exhibition is serious; the educational offer (museum lessons) is aimed at pupils from grade 8 of primary school.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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