For the first time ever, Chicago Architecture Foundation has featured the Polish Museum of America (PMA) as one of its 200 featured sites in its largest and most iconic event, Open House Chicago. This year’s annual architecture festival provides rare behind-the-scenes visits to many of the city’s great spaces free of charge during the third weekend of October. The museum’s current exhibit “Art for Heart” is a celebration of Polish-American artists to benefit the Gift from the Heart (Dar Serca) Foundation and The Polish Museum of America and will be open to the public on October 15.
Founded in 1935, the PMA is in the heart of Chicago’s historic Polonia, in the national headquarters building of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America. Designed by John Flizikowski, this 1913 structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 and noted for its significance in the history of Polish-American settlement in Chicago. Treasures from 16th century Polish Kings to 19th century American Presidents are part of the collection, including many artifacts from the 1939 New York World’s Fair Polish Pavilion, which could not be returned to Poland due to the outbreak of the Second World War.
[Source: press release]