Pilsudski Institute of London

About the museum

The institute is a London branch of a research institute for recent Polish history that was founded in Warsaw in 1923 and was named after Józef Piłsudski following his death in 1935. It was closed down after the German invasion of Poland in 1939. Former associates of Piłsudski re-founded it in London in March 1947 as a non-profit research body.

Since 1972 it has been based in the building of the Polish Social and Cultural Association (POSK) on King Street in Hammersmith. The institute collects, sorts and preserves documents and objects on Polish history, publishes studies and runs lectures, readings and exhibitions, especially around anniversaries.

The museum tells the story of the Polish road to independence with posters, photographs, documents, uniforms, medals and personal items, many linked to Piłsudski and the Polish Legions. A hologram of a copy of the Enigma cipher machine, built to Polish designs, is also on show. The institute holds an archive and a library, and it offers a corner for young visitors as well as lessons and workshops for schools.

Highlights

• Chronology of the Polish road to independence
• Hologram of a copy of the Enigma cipher machine
• Uniforms, badges and medals of the Polish Legions
• Items linked to Marshal Józef Piłsudski
• Archive and library on Polish history

Permanent exhibitions

• The Polish road to independence – A chronology of Poland’s path to independence with posters, photographs, documents and personal mementos of the Legions.
• Enigma hologram – A hologram of a copy of the 1940 Enigma cipher machine built to plans by Polish cryptologists.

Founded

1947

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free, according to listings of the Polish Social and Cultural Association (POSK), which houses the institute.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The institute is on the second floor of the POSK building. The museum does not publish accessibility details.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

A corner called the Little Legionnaire’s Corner presents history in an interactive way for the youngest visitors, and there are lessons and competitions for children.

Getting there & parking

The institute is on the second floor of the POSK building at 238–246 King Street.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit