Małopolska Culture Heritage Days, POLAND
For over two decades, the Małopolska Culture Heritage Days have invited residents and tourists to explore both unknown and familiar heritage sites from fresh perspectives. With annual thematic programmes, films, research, and a digital platform, this popular event enriches heritage appreciation throughout Poland’s diverse Małopolska region.
The Małopolska Culture Heritage Days, initiated in 1999 by the authorities of the Małopolska region and organised by the Małopolska Institute of Culture in Kraków, raise awareness about the region’s exceptionally diverse cultural heritage. Over the past 27 years, this event has welcomed more than 300,000 participants, highlighting 300 heritage sites and collaborating with nearly 500 local and regional partners.
Held annually over two weekends in May, the programme showcases not only lesser-known heritage sites but also reinterprets well-known landmarks from fresh and innovative perspectives. Each year explores a distinctive central theme, ranging from traditional craftsmanship and industrial heritage to architecture and intangible cultural expressions. A conscious effort is also made to address sensitive or difficult heritage topics, providing platforms for open dialogue and deeper reflection.
A comprehensive array of engaging activities – including guided tours, thematic meetings, interactive workshops, lectures, and site-specific exhibitions – encourages active community participation. Local historians, heritage professionals, volunteers, schools, museums, civic groups, and municipal authorities contribute directly to these diverse activities, fostering a sense of shared ownership and pride.
Beyond live events, historical research plays a key role in deepening public engagement. Collaborations with heritage experts and academics have led to new insights into local heritage narratives, shared through accessible tools and multimedia content. Outputs include sign language guided tours, audio description for people with visual impairments, educational workshops for all age groups, and short films highlighting individual heritage stories.
Digital presentation further extends the project’s reach. A recently modernised website features descriptions of over 300 heritage sites, accompanied by high-quality photographs and alt text. It also offers a wide range of resources, including books by well-known Polish authors, interactive tools, archives, and subtitled documentaries.
Diversity and inclusivity remain core values throughout the project’s implementation. Programmes explicitly address the rich cultural, ethnic and social diversity of the Małopolska region. Educational workshops are specially designed to engage younger generations, while tailored activities ensure meaningful participation from seniors and people with disabilities. These inclusive initiatives actively promote intergenerational dialogue and foster stronger community bonds.
In 2023 alone, approximately 15,000 visitors actively engaged in the events. Extensive media coverage at regional and national levels further amplifies visibility, reinforcing the importance of heritage awareness and community involvement.
“The Małopolska Culture Heritage Days are an exceptional bottom-up, regional initiative with a strong community dimension – engaging people in meaningful ways through collaborative programmes, educational activities, and artistic interventions. It has raised awareness of a large number of heritage sites, including many lesser-known ones,” the Awards’ Jury said.
“The project is grounded in deep historical research and supported by strong partnerships with local authorities and cultural institutions. An outstanding knowledge hub that provides accessible materials, including multilingual content and digital exhibitions, creating a lasting legacy,” the Jury highlighted.
Contact: Joanna Warchoł | Małopolska Institute of Culture in Kraków | [email protected] | www.dnidziedzictwa.pl