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Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Located in the basements of the Ministry of Justice at Al. Ujazdowskie 11 in Warsaw, the Cells of the Security Service (Cele Bezpieki) form an essential part of Poland’s historical narrative, highlighting the oppressive tactics used by the Communist regime in the aftermath of World War II. The exhibition, a branch of the Warsaw Uprising Museum, was officially opened on March 1, 2018, and provides visitors with a poignant look at the fate of the political prisoners who were incarcerated there during the years 1945 to 1954.
The museum is open to the public and serves as both an educational resource and a memorial to the victims of Communist repression. Visitors can explore the cells, view artifacts, and gain a deeper understanding of this difficult period of Poland’s history. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding the human cost of totalitarianism and the resilience of those who resisted it.
A Dark Chapter of Polish History
From 1945 to 1954, the basements of the Ministry of Public Security (Ministerstwo Bezpieczeństwa Publicznego, MBP) were transformed into a notorious detention center. Here, prominent members of Poland’s resistance against the Communist regime, including figures such as General August Emil Fieldorf “Nil,” Jan Rodowicz “Anoda,” Zygmunt Augustyński, Władysław Bartoszewski, and Wiesław Chrzanowski, were held, interrogated, and often tortured. These individuals were key members of Poland’s independence underground, resisting Soviet domination, and their suffering in these very cells has become a symbol of the brutal methods employed by the post-war Communist authorities.
The Cells of the Security Service exhibit is housed in the former jail cells of the MBP, which were not used for carrying out death sentences, but instead were infamous for the severe conditions prisoners endured. Many did not survive the interrogations and physical torment they were subjected to. There is little official documentation, but it is believed that the prison held about 100 cells, each capable of housing up to eight people. While some prisoners’ interrogations lasted hours, others endured for months, with no regard for legal rights, fairness, or basic human dignity.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
The Exhibition: A Harrowing Experience
The Cells of the Security Service exhibit spans 600 square meters and is divided into four main sections, each shedding light on a different facet of Poland’s struggle for independence against the Communist regime. The exhibition begins with an overview of the resistance movement against Communist repression, highlighting the causes, developments, and consequences of the repressive regime. This section helps set the stage for understanding the broader context in which the prison operated.
The second section focuses on the torturers and their victims, examining the process of repression from surveillance to arrest, interrogation, trial, and sentence. It’s a chilling depiction of the methods used by the Communist authorities to subjugate anyone suspected of being a threat to their power, including not only underground fighters but also ordinary civilians.
The third section features reconstructed prison cells. Visitors can step inside the preserved, original cells where prisoners were held. The conditions depicted here give a sense of the inhumane treatment these individuals suffered, with images, notes, and drawings left by the prisoners etched into the walls. These markings serve as an emotional testament to the strength of those who resisted, even in their most desperate moments.
The final part of the exhibit is dedicated to the post-1989 process of historical remembrance, highlighting the efforts made to restore the memory of those who suffered under the Communist regime. It’s a reminder of the long and difficult road to acknowledging and confronting the painful past.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
The Prisoners’ Stories: Voices from the Past
Among the many poignant artifacts displayed at the museum are personal items left behind by the prisoners. Some of these objects were painstakingly crafted from whatever materials the detainees had at their disposal. For example, there are chess pieces made from bread, a cross stitched from thread, and a medal made from bread, symbolizing the resilience and humanity of those who were locked in these dark cells.
One of the most impactful elements of the exhibit are the testimonies of survivors and the letters from death row cells, which provide firsthand accounts of the psychological and physical torment faced by prisoners. Some of these accounts are shared through audio recordings, further immersing visitors in the reality of the repression.
©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
A Place of Reflection
Visiting Cele Bezpieki is a powerful and moving experience that forces us to confront the harsh realities of Communist-era repression. The exhibits not only depict the harsh conditions faced by those detained in these cells but also the broader context of surveillance and political persecution that permeated the society at the time.
This museum offers an essential opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice and bravery of those who fought for Poland’s independence, despite the personal suffering they endured. It also serves as a sobering reminder of the lengths to which totalitarian regimes will go to maintain power and control.
All photos: ©Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska
Practical Information:
Location:
Cele Bezpieki – Museum Branch of the Warsaw Uprising Museum
Al. Ujazdowskie 11 (entrance from ul. Św. Teresy)
00-567 Warsaw, Poland
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