PADEREWSKI ROOM EXHIBITS                                 Back to Permanent Exhibits

Paderewski Room Update - October 9, 2008

Author: Richard Kujawa

Editor: Geraldine Coleman

The highlight of the archival collection at The Polish Museum of America is the extraordinary repository of memorabilia documenting the multi-faceted career of Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941).

The Paderewski Room and its artifacts have been unavailable for public viewing since the summer of 2007.  Major renovations have been underway and the scope of the remodeling has increased from the initial intention.  Subsequently, the remodeling pace has been slow.  This Room, the original 1937 Museum, had never been air-conditioned and had poor heating control.  Last year, a combined heating and air-conditioning system was installed.  This year, ductwork for the Room has been concealed for safer and more efficient air flow.  However, the Museum’s Board of Directors felt that additional updates to this important exhibit were needed.  Specifically, decorative plaster and walls need repair and repainting, the carpeting needs replacement or cleaning, display cases need upgrading, and the valuable upholstered furniture requires stabilizing and cleaning.  In addition, the exhibit’s artifacts will undergo conservation treatment.  As of June 2008, the Museum’s Board of Directors authorized project expenditures and additional work. 

The Paderewski Room Renovation Committee was formed and has been actively involved in planning the “new look” of this wonderful exhibit.  In order to provide security which was lacking in the old design, a protective glass partition will surround the display of Paderewski’s furnishings from the suite in the Buckingham Hotel in New York City, his last residence.  This glass partition will also allow for more exhibit surface to display more of Paderewski’s possessions.  For example, in the old design, his pocket watch and coin case were on display in a glass case far removed from his bedroom furniture.  In the updated design, those pieces will be on the nightstand, as they would have been when Paderewski was alive, and their descriptions will be displayed within the partition.

The renowned sculptor, Malvina Hoffman (1887-1966), a close friend of Paderewski, coined the roles of the “three Paderewskis”: the statesman, the artist and the friend.  The Museum will base the new organization of the exhibit on this inspired concept.  Thus, the newly-redesigned exhibit theme will focus on Paderewski’s roles.  It will enable visitors to visualize Paderewski, in depth, and how he developed into a patriot, pianist, and humanitarian.  Adding to this theme, the visitor will view as well as read important documents that, at this point, have been seen by so few people.  A description of the significance of each document will also be provided.

Paderewski’s musical achievements and legacy will be presented through audio-visual means.  A noted author, musician and Paderewski enthusiast, Mr. Jeff Wagner, will be asked to provide commentary on the Maestro’s performing style and on his compositions.

Finally, since the Paderewski Room is the original Museum space, which opened to the public on January 12, 1937, the Museum will provide an area in this Room in memory of its first curator, Mieczysław Haiman.  His desk, published books and other items will be displayed.  The Museum believes that Paderewski would have approved.

When the redesigned exhibit opens in 2009, the Museum hopes that your anticipation will be well rewarded!