Lower Manhattan has welcomed a new cultural institution dedicated to the history and art of Central and Eastern Europe. The Pilecki Institute has officially opened its New York headquarters at 92 Greenwich Street.
The new facility is established as both a public-facing arts hub and a research center. It is designed to function as a year-round venue, hosting research programs, residencies, and public discussions.
Debut Exhibition: “Modern Freedom”
The institute will launch its first exhibition, “Modern Freedom,” which opens May 19 and runs through August 31. The show brings together a wide roster of artists from across the region, including Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
The exhibition uses contemporary art to explore how identity is shaped and reshaped under pressure. Works will span several mediums, including installation, film, painting, and sculpture.
The curation focuses on three primary thematic threads: freedom, tremor, and memory. The pieces are expected to grapple with generational trauma, political upheaval, and the enduring impact of 20th-century regimes through a modern lens.
Connecting History to the Present
The mission of the Pilecki Institute centers on education, research, and public programming tied to the region’s past. The New York outpost aims to connect U.S. Audiences with stories that are often omitted from mainstream Western narratives.
CEO Piotr Franaszek stated that opening in New York allows the institute to present Eastern European history in ways that are relevant, accessible, and engaging for U.S. Audiences.
Franaszek noted that in a current climate marked by propaganda, war, political polarization, and renewed authoritarian pressures, the region’s history can offer insights into civic responsibility, courage, and the defense of freedom.
Future Programming
Beyond its debut show, the institute is likely to continue its focus on the intersection of art, and history. A fall exhibition dedicated to theater director and filmmaker Andrzej Wajda is already on the calendar.
The institute may also expand its academic initiatives and public events to further integrate the Polish and Eastern European historical experience into global discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Pilecki Institute located in New York?
The headquarters are located at 92 Greenwich Street in Lower Manhattan.
What are the dates for the “Modern Freedom” exhibition?
The exhibition opens on May 19 and runs through August 31.
What is the primary mission of the Pilecki Institute?
The organization’s mission centers on research, education, and public programming tied to the past of Central and Eastern Europe.
How can contemporary art help us better understand the political upheavals of the 20th century?
