On 15 July 2025, the Slovak Institute in Warsaw inaugurated a remarkable exhibition titled Slovak Traces in Poland, offering a fresh perspective on the lesser-known chapters of Polish-Slovak relations.
Curated by Martin Cimerman and Simona Benková, the exhibition deliberately shifts focus away from well-known figures and headline events. Instead, it highlights overlooked heroes and forgotten episodes that have quietly shaped the shared history of both nations. Presented as a mosaic of 28 themes displayed across 14 panels, the exhibition is richly illustrated with photographs, historical documents, book covers, and medals. Each panel features bilingual descriptions in Polish and English, and a free catalogue – published in Polish and Slovak by the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Warsaw – is available to visitors.
The exhibition’s narrative is intentionally non-linear, encouraging viewers to explore connections and curiosities at their own pace. Serious historical themes are interwoven with surprising anecdotes and lesser-known details. One striking example is the story of Platoon 535 from the Warsaw Uprising, composed largely of Slovak fighters who fought under the combined banners of the Polish eagle and the Slovak double cross. Other panels recount the escape of Slovak Jews from Auschwitz, the assistance provided to Polish refugees, and the fascinating history of the 11th-century Romanesque church in Tropie, which links the histories of Poland, Slovakia, and the former Kingdom of Hungary.
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