Polish People’s Republic

The Polish People’s Republic room presents the most important issues related to economics, banking and finance of the period of so-called “real socialism”. The scenography and graphics and visuals of this part of the exhibition symbolically render the atmosphere of the Polish People’s Poland. The upper part of the room alludes to the lofty propaganda slogans and official ideology. In contrast, the lower part gives you an idea of the living standards of average citizens and of the real level of the country’s economic development.

The numerous photographs allow visitors to have an insight into the realities of everyday life and have a look at the times of the Polish People’s Republic from the point of view of ordinary citizens who experienced the effects of the economics of shortage. The issues explored here are illustrated by the listings of average wages and prices of basic products in the decades of the People’s Poland. Food coupons, PeKaO goods vouchers, foreign currency and savings books, and opposition fliers are displayed in the room’s showcases.