News

Yesterday, at the Opole seat of our Museum, was held a meeting as part of the Faces of Opole series. Its guest was Ryszard Czerwiński (born in 1937), the founder of the French crêperie Grabówka, who has been involved in activities for the benefit of the city and commemoration of its history for many years. He has been a member of the Museum Council and an activist of the Association of Friends of the CMJW for many years.

The meeting was started by the Director of the Museum, Dr. Violetta Rezler-Wasielewska. She welcomed the participants, and introduced the guest of the event and Dr. Piotr Stanek, Head of the Research Department, who continued the meeting. The starting point was the story of Ryszard Czerwiński’s early life – his birth and childhood in Dubno, Volhynia. In 1943, he, as a refugee, together with his family, stayed for six months in the prisoner-of-war camp Stalag 319 in Chełmno (Lubelskie Province), and then, following a search for his father, he got to Opole (at the beginning of 1945), where he lives to this day.

The further part of the conversation focused on the Grabówka, located in Freedom Square. It is the same place where the building of the Opole Regierungsbezirk  (Governmental District of Opole), and the Domek Szwajcarski [Swiss House], the predecessor of Grabówka, had stood since the 19th century. It was in this small building, located on the Młynówka river, where, in 1983, Mr. Ryszard and his wife, Anna, established a French crêperie. The participants of the meeting learned about the circumstances of the founding and development of 'Grabówka', which is one of the landmarks of the city.

The conversation also included topics of the guest's involvement in cultural activities: exhibitions, concerts and meetings with artists and researchers, but also his engagements in the work of various organisations, what was appreciated by the city authority in 2021 by awarding Ryszard Czerwiński the title of Distinguished Citizen of the City of Opole.

A discussion and thanks ended the meeting.