Museum devoted to Polish author Gombrowicz opening in France

The museum is located in the south-eastern town of Vence, at the newly renovated, historic Villa Alexandrine, where the author spent his waning years.

The official opening ceremony will be attended by Deputy Culture Minister Jarosław Sellin and delegates from the Polish parliament. The event will be officiated by Rita Gombrowicz, the widow of the writer.

The opening of the museum will be accompanied by a multidisciplinary festival called ”I, Gombrowicz”, combining displays, a reading event and film screenings. It is to take place from 22 to 25 September.

The new museum will present a timeline of Gombrowicz’s life, co-penned by the author himself, featuring photographs largely derived from the collection of the writer’s family.

Other rooms in the museum will showcase portraits of Gombrowicz, his reconstructed study, alongside letters, Polish editions of his works, and quotes from his books.

The museum was funded by Poland’s culture ministry. Conservation work on the villa was carried out by the Friends of the Fine Arts Society in Warsaw, financed by the ministry. Over 30 Polish artists took part in the conservation of paintings over several months.

Gombrowicz died in Vence in 1969 at the age of 65. He was one of the most prominent 20th-century Polish writers.

His best known works include the novels Cosmos and Pornography. His work has been translated into more than 30 languages. (aba/pk)

Source: PAP