This prestigious event, considered one of the most significant celebrations in the museum world, will bring international attention to Białystok. The press conference was attended by the Mayor of Białystok, Tadeusz Truskolaski; Deputy Marshal of the Podlaskie Voivodeship, Wiesława Burnos; Member of the Polish Parliament, Krzysztof Truskolaski; and the museum’s director, Professor Wojciech Śleszyński. Hans Looijen, Acting Chair of the Board of the European Museum Forum, also participated remotely.
“It’s a great joy! The Sybir Memorial Museum has only been operating for a few years and has already been recognized as the best museum in Europe in 2024. This success would not have been possible without the initiative of Krzysztof Truskolaski, but also without the museum’s high quality and excellent organization. From May 21 to 25, Białystok will become the center of European museology, and we are very proud of that. It will be a fantastic promotion for both the museum and the city of Białystok,” said Mayor Tadeusz Truskolaski.
Deputy Marshal Wiesława Burnos expressed her appreciation that such a major event is taking place in the Podlaskie region. She also announced that on Saturday, May 24, during the conference at the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic, a significant new cultural investment – the Fr. Popiełuszko Museum in Okopy – will be introduced to an international audience for the first time.
Member of Parliament Krzysztof Truskolaski highlighted the importance of the event for promoting both the city and the region:
“I’m happy that the annual conference of museum professionals is being held in Białystok. For several days, we’ll not only be engaged in debate, but also showcasing the strengths of our city and region. The Sybir Memorial Museum’s journey to the Council of Europe Museum Prize began in May 2023, and by April 2024, together with the museum director, we received the award in Strasbourg from the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Today’s press conference is the cherry on top. Now we’ll be able to show our beautiful museum to all of Europe.”
Prof. Wojciech Śleszyński, Director of the Sybir Memorial Museum, presented the detailed program for the upcoming week. The events will begin tomorrow with the Night of Museums. On Monday and Tuesday, the museum will host an international academic conference titled Museum and Trauma – Museums as Safe Spaces to Discuss the Dark Side of Humanity. Wednesday will be designated Sybir Memorial Museum Day, during which EMYA participants will tour the permanent exhibition and take part in specially prepared workshops. The final events, including the awards ceremony, will take place at the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic.
Prof. Śleszyński also underlined the uniqueness of the occasion:
“The upcoming week will mark the most significant international gathering of museum professionals in the history of our city. I say this not only as the director of the Sybir Memorial Museum but, above all, as a historian. This meeting would not be possible without excellent cooperation at all levels – from the city mayor to our entire team. It also wouldn’t be possible without financial support. The event is funded by grants from the City Hall and the Marshal’s Office, with additional support from the Ministry of Culture. We’re also using our own resources and have secured sponsorship. Agnella, Intermuseo, and Suempol have supported us in organizing this event. I invite everyone to take part in the full series of events starting tomorrow.”
During the press conference, Hans Looijen, Acting Chair of the Board of the European Museum Forum, addressed the participants remotely. In his remarks, he emphasized the vital role of museums as institutions upholding democratic values and fostering intercultural dialogue — especially crucial in today’s world, where democracy faces growing challenges. He expressed his gratitude to the City of Białystok and the Sybir Memorial Museum for their commitment and efforts in organizing this year’s EMYA event.
