“Szembeka Square – I know, because I am from here”: about history near and far

A cultural event “Szembeka Square – I know, because I am from here” organised by the Centre for the Development of Creative Industries (CRPK) took place at the Warsaw’s Szembeka Square on 24 September 2023. It was a unique artistic and educational project – addressed to the residents of the right-bank Warsaw – aimed at awakening a sense of identity and local patriotism by learning about the fascinating history of Grochów and the surrounding area.

During the event, participants had the opportunity to experience interactive educational tools, presenting the history of Grochów and Warsaw in a modern way. The New Technology Division of the Institute of National Remembrance marked its presence, presenting a set of products and at the same time establishing contact with the residents of Grochów and the surrounding area, interested in discovering and promoting our history.

Stands prepared by employees of the Institute of National Remembrance enabled all those interested, e.g. to try and survive the Warsaw Rising in “Warsaw Rising: City of Heroes” and to test their cipher-breaking skills in “Ciphers Game”. In addition, thanks to virtual reality (VR) technology, available was the latest product based on the fate of the Ulma Family: “Testimony of HELP”. The varied activities prepared for participants encouraged them to look at history in a new way and learn about it from a completely new angle.

We would like to thank the Centre for the Development of Creative Industries for the invitation and the opportunity to participate in this unique event.

We encourage everyone to continue to discover the history of Poland and Warsaw using modern technologies available thanks to our projects. Together, we can understand our past and learn valuable lessons for the future.