RYBNIK • HISTORY • DAILY LIFE • TRADITION

The exhibition takes the form of a unique time capsule that transports visitors back into Rybnik’s past, to the time when the town first emerged and took shape: from a small settlement to a thriving modern city.

Presented in a concise and accessible manner, the exhibition tells the story of the city by exploring the many themes that have shaped the history of Rybnik and its inhabitants. It navigates complex political circumstances and pivotal moments that contributed to the development of the local community. The selected topics present a broad spectrum of life in Rybnik, ranging from political, religious and economic aspects to social, educational, and cultural ones. The complexity of these themes goes beyond a simple chronology; consequently, rather than focusing solely on dates, the exhibition concentrates on thematic issues, whilst still highlighting moments of particular significance for Rybnik.

The seemingly unrelated yet intertwined themes of history, everyday life and tradition – as suggested by the title – form an inseparable bond in which history shapes everyday life, and everyday life is enhanced by tradition.

The exhibition explores the history of Rybnik, from its poorly documented origins, through its changing status and significance, its national affiliations and shifting borders, right up to the political transformations of the turbulent 20th century. Visitors will see how political changes affected local and regional government, whilst an enlarged reproduction of the town panorama will provide insight into what Rybnik looked like before it entered a period of intense transformation. Subsequent parts of the exhibition are designed to demonstrate how everyday life unfolded in the shadow of great politics. As people sought employment outside agriculture, businesses, industrial plants and the railway were established. Social changes were taking place: children attended schools, while leisure time was filled with cultural, social and spiritual activities. Home, family, church, school and the workplace together shaped a tradition passed down to subsequent generations in the form of customs, views, social norms and behaviours, and material culture.

The exhibition Rybnik | History | Everyday Life | Tradition is a unique opportunity to understand how the past shapes the present, and how its traces remain visible in the urban landscape and within the intangible cultural heritage of the city.