The charm and complex history of Lviv have come alive through the lens of photography at the Museum in Lewków, where a new exhibition titled "Urok dawnego Lwowa" has recently opened its doors to the public. Over 40 captivating black-and-white photographs depict the rich cultural heritage of Lviv, inviting visitors to take a sentimental trip back to the periods when this multicultural city was at the heart of various empires and societies.
According to Sylwia Nowicka, the director of the museum, this exhibition, which opened on February 1, 2025, showcases reproductions of daguerreotypes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, generously provided by private collectors Joanna Dobosz-Dobrowolska and Adam Dobosz. Nowicka noted, "The photographs depict the multicultural city where Poles, Ukrainians, Jews, Armenians, and Germans lived side by side. It shows the city full of history, rich architecture, and unforgettable atmosphere. This will be a sentimental trip." The exhibition aims to highlight Lviv's historical significance and its unique blend of cultures.
Once a thriving center, Lviv, known as Lwów to the Poles, has played a pivotal role throughout its history. Established by Ruthenian princes in the 13th century, it became increasingly important after its incorporation by Poland under Casimir the Great in the mid-14th century. This period marked Lviv as one of the largest political, economic, and cultural centers within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Joanna and Adam Dobosz describe Lviv as one of the most important cities in Poland's history, stating, "Lviv is among the most important cities in Polish history..."
Throughout its storied past, Lviv has weathered numerous historical storms, with significant events shaping its identity. The 1648 Cossack uprising and the Swedish Deluge did not engulf Lviv, which remained faithful to Poland. The authors of the exhibition description reflect on these events, noting, "The city's strength was not stifled during Austrian rule..." Notably, it became the capital of Galicia after the partitions of Poland. Cultural and infrastructural advancements, such as the establishment of the Ossoliński National Institute and the Skarbkowski Theatre, flourished during this period.
The interwar period embodied significant growth for Lviv, with the Jan Kazimierz University standing as the leading Polish institution of higher learning. It became a renowned center of intellectual achievement and innovation. The accomplishments of prominent mathematicians like Stefan Banach and Stanisław Ulam, whose contributions have made mark on global science, spotlight Lviv's pivotal role during this time. Yet, with the advent of World War II, Lviv underwent dramatic changes, facing the grim realities of Soviet and then Nazi occupations.
After the war, the fate of Lviv changed significantly. While it retained its Polish character until the tragic extermination of the Jewish population, the city was later annexed by the USSR, undergoing demographic shifts due to the mass emigration of Poles and resettlement by Ukrainians. The Dobosz couple poignantly remarked, "Unfortunately, the city did not return to Poland..." This loss of its original character marks yet another chapter of Lviv’s rich yet tumultuous history.
Today, the city's vibrancy remains evident, and it continues to evolve as it once again serves as the gateway to Europe amid the mounting conflict with Russia. The Dobosz couple elaborates on this sentiment: "The social strength of the city—and its location—means Lviv transforms once again..." The exhibition runs until February 28, 2025, inviting everyone to witness the enduring charm of Lviv through its historical photographs. It stands as a reminder of the city's legacy and resilience, woven deeply within Poland's cultural fabric.