On 10 October 2025, the Sybir Memorial Museum received another prestigious honour – a Special Commendation for Creativity – during the 11th Živa Award ceremony in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Established in 2014 by the Forum of Slavic Cultures, the Živa Award is among the most prestigious museum distinctions in Europe and has been granted since 2014 to outstanding museums and cultural heritage institutions in Slavic countries. The Special Commendation for Creativity awarded to the Sybir Memorial Museum highlights its innovative and exceptional approach to commemorating the difficult history of Siberia, as well as its growing status among European cultural institutions. The distinction is also the result of the Museum’s expanding international activity.
At the press conference, the Mayor of Białystok, Tadeusz Truskolaski, commented on the award:
“The creativity of the Sybir Memorial Museum has been recognised with an international award presented last week in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is yet another prestigious distinction for the Museum. The year 2025 is therefore rich in international events and in recognition of the work, the concept, and — above all — the idea behind the Sybir Memorial Museum: on the one hand, remembrance and commemoration of victims, and on the other, solidarity and cooperation.”
The Director of the Sybir Memorial Museum, Professor Wojciech Śleszyński, added:
“The Museum was honoured for creativity — for its ability to combine historical narrative with a contemporary form of presentation. We know that the subject of deportations and exile is not a simple one.”
He also spoke about the Museum’s newest international project:
“For some time, the idea of creating an international exhibition has been developing at the Sybir Memorial Museum. Naturally, it reflects the goals outlined in the Museum’s strategy, but above all, it responds to a task set by the Mayor of Białystok, Tadeusz Truskolaski — to ensure that the story of the Siberian experience is told not only here in Białystok and in Poland, but also throughout the world.”
Sybir – Prison of Nations is an exhibition with a universal message, presenting the tragic fate of various nations affected by the Soviet system of repression. It emphasises that Siberia is not only a Polish story but a shared experience of many countries and cultures. The exhibition consists of panels featuring texts and photographs. Depending on the presentation site, additional panels reflecting local context will be included. An integral part of the project is the film They Came at Dawn, which enriches the narrative with emotional depth. Multimedia elements make the project accessible and engaging to audiences worldwide.
Monika Szarejko, Head of the Permanent Exhibition Department, spoke about the exhibition’s websites, prepared in five language versions:
“The website features a modern design and a cohesive visual identity aligned with the exhibition and the overall project. Our goal is to ensure that potential partners — particularly international ones — perceive our work, the Museum, and above all our team in a positive light. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of our brand,” – she summed up.
The exhibition Sybir – Prison of Nations will be presented on several continents, strengthening Białystok’s role as a city of dialogue and cooperation that courageously addresses the difficult history of many nations. This latest prestigious distinction — awarded by a jury composed of 16 experts from Slavic countries and representatives of the European Museum Academy — confirms the Museum’s innovative approach and its growing international standing.
