Vistula. Re-Creation.

Since the dawn of time, mankind has enjoyed the benefits of rivers, but on the other hand, rivers have posed a real danger in case of flooding. They have always shaped the natural landscape and have been an important part of the ecosystem. They have also served economic functions: production and service businesses have been flourishing at their banks, benefiting from easy access to water. The rivers have allowed transport, served hygiene, and, finally, have been leisure venues. The latter aspect is now dominant and has therefore been chosen as the subject of the first exhibition about the Vistula River in the Museum of Krakow. The Vistula. Re-Creation exhibition prepared by the Museum of Krakow will be presented on the second floor of the recently renovated Krzysztofory Palace at Rynek Główny 35. It occupies an exhibition space on the second floor of the palace.

 

Today, the residents of Krakow associate the Vistula River mainly with a venue to spend leisure time at in a variety of ways. The starting point of the exhibition was its contemporary state understood as a pretext for looking back to show the historical roots of various recreation options available on the river – their continuity and transformation. Issues such as the use of the Vistula for transport, business, and the risk of flooding form its context and historical background.

 

The titular “Re-Creation” means not only relaxation and leisure. The form in which it is recorded points to the fact that, currently, the topic of how the river is used is being discussed anew; different ideas and opinions are being heard. In recent years, it has been noted that cities are turning back to rivers and appreciating their role in urban spaces. Numerous revitalization projects are being developed to restore the positive relationship between cities and rivers. Their aim is to transform river bank areas and to give them new, mainly representative and recreational, functions. The river in the city is to be its business card. The Vistula in Krakow and its immediate neighborhood are also being transformed; in a way, they are being created anew through the actions of municipal institutions, commercial operators, activists, and, finally, through the daily activities of its users.

 

The exhibition presents various perspectives, allows for discussion, and gives a voice to various circles. We also want to show the profiles of distinguished persons for whom the Vistula has become a kind of a lifestyle. They are presented in individual rooms as the “Vistula Ombudspersons”.

 

We have prepared special spots for our youngest visitors, where, for example, characters of the book Plusk, which has been published in connection with the exhibition, present interesting facts and explain difficult concepts. We have not forgotten about people with disabilities either. The exhibition is entirely accessible to everyone.

 

The project is highly participative – we have invited to cooperate many people and institutions, who are partners of the exhibition and, in many cases, co-authors of its parts.