Polish Museum in Rapperswil to close current site for renovation; new smaller museum opens in Burghof

A New Chapter in the History of the Museum - The Polish Museum in Rapperswil

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A New Chapter in the History of the Museum

Dear Friends of the Polish Museum,

the time has come for us to close the Museum in its present form for a period of time. This is not a farewell, however, but the beginning of a new chapter in its 156-year history .

First and foremost, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your longstanding support, trust, and friendship. It is thanks to you that we are able to continue our mission of preserving and promoting Polish history and culture beyond the borders of Poland.

A major undertaking now lies ahead of us. Beginning in October 2026, we will start the renovation works and preparations for the opening of the new Polish Museum in Rapperswil. Its new home will be the historic Burghof building on the town square, in the former premises of the Museum’s library. Although the new Museum will be considerably smaller than its former home in the Castle, it will preserve what matters most: its mission, its independence, and its unique character.

This will allow us to continue the uninterrupted 156-year tradition of the Polish Museum in Rapperswil. Our collections will remain in our care. Within the limits of our possibilities—particularly the available exhibition space—we will continue to make them accessible to the public and ensure that they serve the community, in accordance with the wishes of our founders, benefactors, and donors.

We are carrying out this project independently, without support from Polish state institutions, even though safeguarding Poland’s cultural heritage abroad should be one of their fundamental responsibilities. This makes the solidarity and support of our friends and supporters all the more meaningful.

We are staying in Rapperswil—the city that has been home to the Polish Museum for more than one and a half centuries. Especially during this difficult period, Rapperswil has welcomed us and enabled us to continue our work. The city has become a lasting symbol of the close and enduring ties between Poland and Switzerland.

Although the new Museum will occupy a much smaller space, our goal is to create an open, modern, and vibrant institution—a place where visitors can encounter Polish history, culture, and art.

Our motto, “Magna Res Libertas” – “Liberty is a Great Thing,” will continue to define our identity and guide our work.

From September onwards, we will remain in close contact with you primarily through our online channels. We will keep you informed about the progress of the renovation, the preparations for the opening of the new Museum, and share the stories of our collections and ongoing activities.

The Museum is changing, but its mission remains the same.

Please stay with us . We will continue to need your support as we begin this new chapter in our history. With their consent, we will publish the names of everyone who supports us on our website as a sign of our sincere gratitude.

We look forward to welcoming you to the new Polish Museum in Rapperswil!

THE POLISH MUSEUM Post office box 75

Phone: 0041 (0)55 210 1862