Helena Modrzejewska Exhibition Opens in Warsaw

22 October 2009

At the opening of 'Helena Modjeska' exhibition

Opera Narodowa

The exhibit presents the life and work of this prominent stage actress, who won the hearts and respect of both Polish and American theater audiences at the end of the 19th century. In 1876 Modrzejewska emigrated to Southern California with her husband, son, and several friends. There, they founded a utopian Polish colony on a ranch near Anaheim that Modrzejewska and her husband bought.

The exhibition was earlier presented at Krzysztofory Palace in Krakow by the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow. It offers over 300 artifacts: portraits, photographs, theater posters, costumes and the actress’s personal memorabilia.  Some of them came from the Bowers Museum in California.

The exhibition is organized under the honorary patronage of Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the Embassy of the United States in Warsaw and the U.S. Consulate General in Krakow.