The Year of Jerzy Giedroyc 2026 | Mieroszewski Centre

For more than five decades, Giedroyc fostered a space for independent thought and free debate, bringing together outstanding writers, public intellectuals, artists, and political thinkers. From Maisons-Laffitte near Paris, he helped shape a vision of Poland rooted in Europe, committed to dialogue with its neighbours, and conscious of its responsibility for the future of the region.

Yet Kultura would not have become what it is remembered as today without Juliusz Mieroszewski—the journal’s leading political columnist, author of its most influential political essays, and one of Jerzy Giedroyc’s closest collaborators. Their long-standing intellectual partnership, conducted both in the pages of Kultura and through an extensive private correspondence, gave rise to ideas that continue to shape Poland’s approach to Eastern Europe. Together, they argued that Poland’s lasting security depended on the sovereignty of Ukraine, Lithuania, and Belarus, and on building genuine partnerships with the nations of the region.

The legacy of Jerzy Giedroyc and Juliusz Mieroszewski extends well beyond politics. It embodies intellectual courage, responsibility for the written word, openness to dialogue, and the conviction that culture and independent thought can shape political reality.

The Mieroszewski Centre, named after Jerzy Giedroyc’s closest collaborator, is actively involved in the celebrations of the Year of Jerzy Giedroyc. Through conferences, debates, educational initiatives, and cultural events, the Centre promotes the legacy of both figures while demonstrating the continued relevance of their ideas to contemporary challenges facing Poland, Europe, and the wider region.

Below is a selection of events taking place as part of the Year of Jerzy Giedroyc 2026.

Ongoing events

"Lessons on culture" – nationwide educational materials competition
Until 6 September 2026
Venue: Museum of Polish History, Warsaw

A nationwide competition for teachers and educators promoting knowledge about Jerzy Giedroyc, the Literary Institute, and the legacy of Kultura. The best lesson plans and educational materials will be recognised and made available for use in schools.

More information: muzhp.pl

Exhibition "I Am a political animal." Jerzy Giedroyc and Kultura, 1947–2000
Until 31 October 2026
Venue: Adam Mickiewicz Museum of Literature, Warsaw

An exhibition dedicated to the life and work of Jerzy Giedroyc and the history of the Literary Institute and Kultura. It features previously unpublished archival materials illustrating Giedroyc’s role in twentieth-century intellectual and political life.

More information: muzeumliteratury.pl

Upcoming events

Capital of the Polish Language Festival – Panel Discussion: "I Entrust This to Your Care. Jerzy Giedroyc and Kultura"
2–8 August 2026
Venue: Szczebrzeszyn

A panel discussion exploring the significance of Jerzy Giedroyc and the Kultura circle for Polish political thought and intellectual life, held as part of the Capital of the Polish Language Festival.

More information: stolicajezykapolskiego.pl

Jerzy Giedroyc Day
8 October 2026
Venue: Museum of Polish History, Warsaw

A day of public events featuring an educational programme for young people and a popular-academic debate devoted to the life, work, and legacy of Jerzy Giedroyc.

More information soon.

Jerzy Giedroyc and the Kultura circle at the Conrad Festival
19–23 October 2026
Venue: Kraków

The Conrad Festival will host a series of discussions devoted to Jerzy Giedroyc and leading figures associated with the Paris-based Kultura. The programme includes the debate To Live Is to Ignite Paradoxes, marking the 75th anniversary of Albert Camus's The Rebel, as well as the Conversations of the People of Kultura series dedicated to Marian Pankowski, Leo Lipski, Jerzy Stempowski, and Zygmunt Haupt.

More information: conradfestival.pl

3rd National Historical Debating Tournament for Secondary School Students
26–27 November 2026
Venue: Museum of Polish History, Warsaw

A nationwide educational event promoting debating skills, critical thinking, and civic engagement among secondary school students, inspired by the values championed by Jerzy Giedroyc.

More information soon.

The Year of Jerzy Giedroyc is being commemorated through a joint initiative of several institutions committed to highlighting the legacy of the Editor and the enduring significance of the Kultura circle for contemporary Poland and Europe. The programme is carried out in cooperation with the Literary Institute KULTURA in Maisons-Laffitte, the Museum of Polish History, the Mieroszewski Centre, the Jerzy Giedroyc Centre at the University of Łódź, and the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW).