Dariusz Stola has returned to his leadership role at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, a significant development following a period of political turbulence in Poland. His reinstatement, coming seven years after his removal by the previous nationalist administration, signals a broader shift in the country's cultural landscape. This move is seen as a victory for academic integrity and the rule of law within Poland's artistic and historical institutions, reflecting the new centrist government's commitment to reversing the policies of its predecessors.
Mr. Stola originally helmed the POLIN Museum from its inception in 2014, earning widespread acclaim for his stewardship. However, his tenure was interrupted by the ascent of the right-wing nationalist Law and Justice party, which initiated a systematic effort to replace museum directors who did not conform to their revised historical narratives. This era, characterized by what many considered a bleak period for artistic and academic freedom, concluded with the centrist coalition's victory in 2023, paving the way for Stola's return.
The decision to reinstate Mr. Stola was made by Marta Cienskowska, Poland's new culture minister, who took office in 2025 under Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Minister Cienskowska publicly acknowledged the injustice of the previous administration's actions, stating that Stola's appointment should have occurred years prior. In an interview, Stola, a respected historian specializing in Polish-Jewish relations, expressed his view of the reinstatement as a triumph of justice and legal principles. His deputy, Zygmunt Stępiński, who had taken over leadership during Stola's absence, will now return to his original role.
The previous culture minister, Piotr Gliński, was known for systematically removing museum heads, often replacing them with individuals loyal to the ruling party, many of whom lacked relevant institutional experience. A prominent example was the dismissal of Hanna Wróblewska, director of the Zachęta National Gallery of Art, who was replaced by a painter known for his criticism of 'LGBT ideology' and advocacy for art rooted in Judeo-Christian traditions. This governmental interference extended to the interpretation of Polish-Jewish history, with the Law and Justice party actively suppressing narratives that were critical of the state, labeling them as a 'pedagogy of shame'.
During this period, historical research and exhibitions pertaining to Polish Jews who perished in the Holocaust faced significant opposition. Stola himself became a target after overseeing a 2018 exhibition that documented the Polish government's antisemitic campaign of 1968, which resulted in the forced emigration of approximately 13,000 Polish Jews. The then-culture minister, Gliński, accused Stola of imposing 'very aggressive politics' on the museum. Today, Stola emphasizes the continued importance of the museum's mission in confronting 'dark forces distorting the memory of the Polish-Jewish past.'
The return of Dariusz Stola to the helm of the POLIN Museum signifies a renewed commitment to historical accuracy and artistic independence in Poland. His reinstatement underscores a broader societal shift away from politically motivated interventions in cultural institutions, reaffirming the value of open inquiry and diverse perspectives in understanding complex historical narratives. This event serves as a powerful symbol of the ongoing effort to uphold the autonomy and integrity of cultural heritage amidst evolving political landscapes.