As part of its History Encounter series, The Remembrance Museum of the Land of Oświęcim invites you to an event dedicated to Mieczysław Kościelniak, a painter who was imprisoned in KL Auschwitz.
Mieczysław Kościelniak (1912–1993) displayed artistic talent from an early age. Despite the family’s difficult financial circumstances, his father supported his passion by helping him purchase art supplies whenever possible.
Kościelniak studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków under Józef Mehoffer, graduating in 1936. He took part in the September Campaign of 1939, including the Battle of the Bzura. In 1941, he was arrested and imprisoned in KL Auschwitz, where he was assigned prisoner number 15261. While imprisoned in the camp, Kościelniak secretly created drawings documenting the tragic reality of Auschwitz and portraying his fellow prisoners. Among these works is a portrait of Wilhelm Gawliczek, now featured in the Museum’s permanent exhibition. The wartime experiences of the artist became closely intertwined with the stories of both Gawliczek and Helena Datoń.
The event will begin with a presentation by Anna Cieplińska-Jaglarz, curator at the Museum, who will explore the story behind Gawliczek’s portrait. It will be followed by a lecture by Jolanta Kupiec—an art historian, former long-time employee of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, and author of several publications, including What Will Remain of Us…? The Life and Work of Auschwitz Prisoner Mieczysław Kościelniak—who will present the artist’s remarkable life and work.
Following the lecture, a workshop entitled Art as an “Emergency Exit” for the Mind will be held for a pre-registered school group.
History Encounter: “Mieczysław Kościelniak – Painter and Prisoner of KL Auschwitz”
The Remembrance Museum of Land of Oświęcim Residents.
2A Maksymiliana Kolbego Street
32-600 Oświęcim
June 15, 2026 (Monday) 10:00 AM
Registration for the lectures is open until June 10, 2026. +48 33 447 40 84 biuro@muzeumpamieci.pl
