It is now ten years since the exhibition entitled ‘Collection Evolution’ was held at the MNK Czapski, showcasing the donations received by the Numismatic Cabinet between 2000 and 2016. At the time, we displayed a selection of items from a total of almost 30,000 that had enriched our collection during that period. Such dynamic and unique – in terms of scale – growth of our collection was made possible by the unceasing and extraordinary generosity of our donors.
The exhibition provided an opportunity to demonstrate the impact that donations have not only on the growth,
but also on the evolution of the collection held in our museum. These major donations, often in the form of specialised collections, frequently set new directions for its development and influence research interests. In turn, the fewer in number, or single items, often fill gaps that are so undesirable in both private and museum collections.
The past decade has shown that we continue to enjoy the trust of donors, among whom we find both numismatists and people with no connection whatsoever to this field of study or to the immensely popular hobby centred on its collecting aspect. Our collection has grown once again, this time
by almost 10,000 numismatic items, donated to us by a large group of donors. Among them are coins from all historical periods and the farthest corners of the world. We also have numerous specimens struck
in gold, as well as unique items which, thanks to our donors, only our museum can boast of today. A significant portion of the collection consists of archival materials related to the lives and work of researchers and collectors.
In addition, the collection transferred to us via the Ministry of Culture
and National Heritage comprised over 13,000 items, most of which were assembled by soldiers of the 2nd Corps of the Polish Armed Forces under General Władysław Anders (1892–1970) in Palestine.
In the current exhibition, we would like to present – through a few examples – the various motivations that guided our donors when they entrusted us with either individual items or collections built up over decades, or family heirlooms.
To all of them – in the year in which we mark the 130th anniversary of the death of Emeryk Hutten-Czapski (1828–1896)
and the 110th anniversary of the death of his wife Elżbieta (1832–1916), the founders of the Emeryk Hutten-Czapski Museum – we dedicate this exhibition.
Curator: Mateusz Woźniak
MNK Czapscy
ul. Piłsudskiego 12, 31-109 Kraków
