A Prison Through Poland’s History

The prison at Rakowiecka Street reflects the dramatic history of Poland in the twentieth century. Built by the Tsarist authorities when Poland was under foreign rule, it later served first the Nazi German occupation authorities and then the Soviet-backed communist regime. Today, the former prison is being transformed into the Museum of the Cursed Soldiers and Political Prisoners, dedicated to those who were imprisoned, tortured and murdered here for their fight for a free and independent Poland.

1902–1918

Under Russian Rule

The prison was constructed between 1902 and 1904 by the Tsarist authorities. At the time, Poland had been divided between Russia, Prussia and Austria and no longer existed as an independent state. Warsaw was part of the Russian Partition, where the prison was built to serve the Russian authorities.

1939–1945

Under Nazi German Occupation

During the Second World War, the prison was taken over by Nazi Germany. Members of the Polish resistance and civilians were held here. On 2 August 1944, during the Warsaw Uprising, German forces carried out the Mokotów Prison Massacre, murdering around 600 prisoners in one of the largest executions committed in occupied Warsaw.

1945–1989

Under Communist Rule

Although the Second World War ended in 1945, Poland did not regain full independence. The Soviet-backed communist authorities persecuted many who had fought for Poland’s freedom during the war. Until the political thaw of 1956, Rakowiecka Prison was one of the main centres of communist repression, where members of the anti-communist resistance were imprisoned, tortured and executed. Political prisoners continued to be held here until the fall of the communist regime in 1989.

Who We Commemorate

At this museum, we commemorate the men and women imprisoned at Rakowiecka Prison for fighting for a free and independent Poland. Many belonged to the post-war anti-communist resistance, known in Poland as the Cursed Soldiers. After fighting for Poland during the Second World War, they were persecuted by the Soviet-backed communist authorities. Many were imprisoned, tortured or executed, while those who survived often remained under surveillance. After the war, Poland became the Polish People’s Republic (PRL), a communist state under Soviet influence. Although the most brutal period of communist terror ended after 1956, the regime remained in power until 1989. Throughout the following decades, Rakowiecka Prison continued to hold political prisoners, including members of the democratic opposition, workers, students, intellectuals and priests, imprisoned for opposing the regime and demanding freedom and democratic rights.

Experience Poland’s History

After the fall of the communist regime in 1989, Rakowiecka Prison continued to operate as a remand centre for criminal detainees. Since 2016, it has been gradually transformed into the Museum of the Cursed Soldiers and Political Prisoners of the Polish People’s Republic. During a guided tour, visitors explore the authentic prison cells and discover the history of the prison under Russian, Nazi German and communist rule. They also visit exhibitions presenting the search for and identification of the victims of communist terror, as well as personal belongings and other historical artefacts connected with those imprisoned here. A visit offers a unique opportunity to experience Poland’s twentieth-century history through one of its most authentic places of remembrance and to understand the price many Poles paid for freedom.

Visit the museum

Museum of the Cursed Soldiers and Political Prisoners

A Museum in the Making

Although visitors are already welcome to explore the museum through guided tours and temporary exhibitions, the museum is still under development. Work is underway on a permanent exhibition telling the story of the post-war anti-communist resistance, political prisoners imprisoned at Rakowiecka Prison until 1989, and the communist security apparatus responsible for their persecution. Meanwhile, the historic prison buildings are being carefully restored to preserve their authentic character. The museum will also include modern exhibition galleries, an auditorium, a library, educational facilities and spaces for research and public events. The former prison hospital has already been restored and now houses the museum’s administration. As the project continues, the museum is becoming a place where visitors from around the world can explore the history of communist repression and Poland’s struggle for freedom.

Museum of the Cursed Soldiers and Political Prisoners. A Place of Remembrance