The exhibition titled "Polish-Estonian relations 1918-1939. Memorabilia in Estonian archives" was compiled in 2018 as part of the Niepodległa celebrations marking the centenary of restoration of Poland's independence and the centenary of the independence of Estonia.
With the opening of this exhibition in the Estonian History Museum in Tallinn on February 4th 2018, both countries inaugurated bilateral celebrations of the centenary of independence in Estonia. Opening speeches were held then by Estonian Minister of Defence Mr. Jüri Luik, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Culture Mr. Tarvi Sits (now Secretary General) and Secretary of State in the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland Mr. Jarosław Sellin. It is unprecedentedly significant that during the same year the exhibition was opened firstly in Tartu by the President of the Republic of Poland Mr. Andrzej Duda, and thereafter in Narva by the President of the Republic of Estonia Mrs. Kersti Kaljulaid.
In 2020, two panels were added to the exhibition to mark the centenary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Estonia and Poland. The centenary year allowed us to look at our common past again, while also inspiring us to continue on established avenues of cooperation and discover new ones. We believe that by delving into these valuable documents and photos from 1918-1939, the visitor can have a comprehensive overview of the roots and perspectives of the cooperation of the two states. During the interwar period, both countries - just as they are now - were joined by close diplomatic, military and cultural relations and personal ties.
This year the exhibition will be opened for the first time in Poland, and for the first in the open air. At the exhibit, visitors can take a look at the images of the records and photos on 12 stands covering the topics as state visits and receptions, military and state decorations awarded to Poles and Estonians, cooperation on national defence and diplomacy, activity of Estonian-Polish Society as well as several examples on mutual economic contacts and employment opportunities in 1920's and 1930's.
The exhibition was curated by the National Archives of Estonia and commissioned by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tallinn. Author of the exhibit is archivist Tiit Noormets and graphic design is made by Einike Leppik.
