Museum of the Holy Father John Paul II Family Home in Wadowice

The open-air exhibition "I was born in Wadowice" highlights the Pope's connection with his hometown. Through the prism of photos from Karol Wojtyla's Family Home, it shows the figure of John Paul II and the message of his teaching. The words he once addressed to people, which still remain relevant.

He was born on May 18, 1920, after 5 pm - with the sounds of the Litany of Loretto coming from a nearby church. Difficult experiences of the young Wojtyla - the death of his mother and brother influenced his personality. So did the unusual atmosphere of his hometown of Wadowice - the townspeople involved in community life, the Wojtyls' always kind neighbors, and Karol's warm friends and colleagues at the amateur theater school.

It was among Wadowice residents that he learned to be close to other people. "I was always strongly connected with the city of my childhood and early youth," he recalled. With a city that gave me much, much"... Karol Wojtyla spent 18 years in Wadowice. After passing his high school diploma in the summer of 1938, he moved with his father to Krakow and settled in a house on Tyniecka Street.

The experience of the family home being a school of love shaped Wojtyla for life. From it grew a special attitude of respect for others and a search for close, family-like relationships with others. Even when, or perhaps especially when, he was left alone in the world. The passing of those closest to him (Karol had not turned 21 when his father also died) deepened his reflection on the ultimate meaning of human life and allowed him to trust God's Wisdom implicitly.

Available languages:
polish, english
Exhibition adapted for outdoor and indoor presentation.