In June 2007 Rev. Rector Prof. Stanisław Wilk, Ph.D., issued a decision to commence the works to create the University Museum. Rooms 28 and 29 in the main building, which formerly served the function of a canteen, were devoted for this purpose. Department of Information and University Promotion under the supervision of Prof. Roman Doktór, Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Administration and Finance, was entrusted with the task of the museum establishment. Subsequently, the works on the conceptual and structural aspects of the Museum were commenced and carried out under permanent scientific consultations of the professors of KUL.
In order to acquaint with current forms and exhibition techniques, cooperation was initiated with the Historical Museum of the Capital City of Warsaw. At that stage, the collection of souvenirs and documents referring to the history of the University was initiated. The creation of the conception and the layout of the exhibition facilitated the creation of the interior design of the Museum image.
In March 2008 construction and renovation works came to an end. The final stage of works entailed the exhibition presentation.
The source documents on exhibition in the Museum are the scans of the originals existing and stored in the University Archives. The souvenirs in the form of everyday objects, furniture or wardrobe are displayed in the original way in the exhibition show-cases. The Museum is also equipped with the multimedia system of presentation. The exhibition is captioned with Polish and English versions.
The University Museum is a developing institution, open to obtain new exhibits. Apart from the permanent exhibition in the Museum, there will also be temporary exhibitions.
A ceremonial opening of the University Museum was held on 30th May 2008 during the Patron’s Day of KUL.
The tasks for the University Museum of KUL are as follows:
- to present the history of the University through the presentation of the events, persons and objects directly connected with the university;
- to present the scientific heritage of the University;
- to commemorate Rev. Karol Wojtyła’s (subsequently Pope John Paul II) connections with the University;
- to reflect the unique atmosphere and specificity of studying and working at KUL;
- to collect the goods of University culture, to catalogue them, store, exhibit and secure them;
- to facilitate the individual access to the information by virtue of multimedia and traditional technologies;
- to update the information through the systematic completion of digital materials, through addition of the scans of photographs or through their exchange;
- to promote the educational offer and scientific activity of the University.
