The Japan Foundation Award 50th Anniversary Messages from Previous Awardees - Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology (Krakow)

1997 The Japan Foundation Special Prize
Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology (Krakow)
[Poland]
Celebrating 50 Years of the Japan Foundation Awards
In 1997, a mere three years after its establishment, the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology was granted the prestigious Japan Foundation Special Prize. This recognition held significant value for our institution, setting the stage for an unwavering commitment to propagate Japanese art and technology in Poland.

The inception of a “Japanese museum in Kraków” stemmed from Andrzej Wajda's civic initiative, aiming to provide a permanent residence for Feliks “Manggha” Jasieński's collection of Japanese art. It also sought to create a vibrant platform for cultural exchanges between Japanese and Polish individuals. This vision materialized through the generosity of its Founder, the selfless backing of Japanese society, and the collaborative efforts of the governments of Poland and Japan.
Over these nearly three decades, the museum has showcased numerous distinctive exhibitions, countless interactions, performances, presentations, and workshops. The museum's footprint has expanded over time: the Urasenke Tea House, encircled by a charming garden, was built in 1999; subsequently, the Japanese Language School was erected in 2004, followed by the Europe‒Far East Gallery in 2015.
The Japanese Language School, consistently supported by Japan Foundation grants, offers comprehensive Japanese language and calligraphy courses. Furthermore, a specialized library, enriched in its nascent years through dedicated Japan Foundation grants, now boasts an impressive collection exceeding 6,000 volumes, catering to readers and researchers.
Tailored educational offerings for children and adolescents are also available. Nonetheless, the Manggha’s primary role revolves around its museum identity. Notable exhibitions showcasing ancient and contemporary art have not only graced Kraków but have also traversed Poland and beyond, earning accolades and acknowledgments. Many of these initiatives have been made possible through funding from Japan Foundation’s special programs.
From its inception, the museum has steadfastly curated its own art collection, embodying the essence of the Manggha as a dynamic 21st-century institution fostering intercultural dialogue. The museum also remains actively engaged in substantial publishing endeavors.
With unwavering conviction, I affirm that since receiving the Japan Foundation Special Prize in 1997, the Manggha has lived up to its promise, solidifying its position as a pivotal entity in Polish-Japanese relations.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Japan Foundation, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to this well-deserving institution for its global benevolence and support. My words are imbued with appreciation and thankfulness for the enduring partnership, guidance, consistent endeavors, and the implementation of exceptional programs.
May this unparalleled institution continue its growth, ceaseless inspiration, and continued success for another 50 years. To all those involved in its sustenance and advancement, accept my heartfelt congratulations.
May the purple butterfly continue its free flight above us, guiding us toward the realization of our dreams.
Katarzyna Nowak
Director
Museum of Japanese Art and Technology Manggha
(Original text in English)
※The awardee (The Centre of Japanese Art and Technology "Manggha" in Cracow) became Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology in 2007, due to organizational changes.
- What We Do Top
- Arts and Cultural Exchange [Culture]
- Japanese-Language Education Overseas [Language]
- Japanese-Language Education Overseas [Language] Top
- Learn Japanese-language
- Teach Japanese-language
- Take Japanese-Language Test
- Know about Japanese-language education abroad
- The Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa
- The Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai
- Japanese-Language Programs for Foreign Specified Skilled Worker Candidates
- Japanese Language Education for Japanese Children Resident Overseas and for the Descendants of Migrants
- Archives
- Japanese Studies and Global Partnerships [Dialogue]
- JF digital collection
- Other Programs / Programs to Commemorate Exchange Year
- Awards and Prizes
- Publications