During the Congress of National Future, the participants have the opportunity to explore exhibitions prepared by the Institute of National Remembrance. These displays, using various techniques (traditional, 3D, and multimedia), offer a unique opportunity to journey through Poland's recent history, viewing it from the perspective of both major events and the fate of ordinary people. Each exhibition transports the viewer to a different world and allows for a deeper understanding of the complex experiences that have shaped our country's history. The “Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom” exhibition was officially opened by Mateusz Szpytma Ph.D., the Deputy President of the IPN.
“The aim of this international project is to highlight Poland’s military contribution during the Second World War. Although we lost the defensive campaign of 1939, we never surrendered. This determination was evident on all fronts of the war. Polish soldiers fought for our freedom and for the freedom of all nations. This exhibition also sheds light on the difficult experiences of Polish civilians who were evacuated from the Soviet Union alongside General Anders’ army,” said Mateusz Szpytma, Deputy President of the Institute of National Remembrance.
The "Trails of Hope. The Odyssey of Freedom" exhibition has been presented in over 50 countries across several continents, reaching an audience of approximately one million people. Media outlets around the world have reported on the exhibition, allowing the story of Polish heroes to resonate across diverse regions and cultures.
“We want this history to be known not only in Poland, but across the globe - because it was the freedom of the entire world that we fought for,” emphasized Deputy President Szpytma.
By means of among others this project, the Institute of National Remembrance pursues its mission of promoting awareness of Polish history and fostering patriotic values - particularly in the context of the Polish struggle for independence throughout the 20th century. The project supports the goals of Poland’s historical policy, which seeks to restore the memory of the heroism, sacrifice, and experiences of Polish soldiers and civilians who fought for freedom on all fronts of the Second World War.
The exhibition takes the form of a multimedia installation. Its centerpiece is a 17-meter panoramic screen displaying animations based on colorized archival photographs sourced from collections around the world. These visual elements are accompanied by texts and quotations that highlight not only the stories of soldiers who achieved victories in battles such as Narvik, Tobruk, Monte Cassino, Ancona, Bologna, and the Battle of Britain - but also the lives and legacies of distinguished commanders, including General Władysław Anders, General Stanisław Maczek, and General Stanisław Sosabowski.