Visiting Marcelina – A Look Back at a September Gathering 22.09.2025
On Saturday, 21 September 2025, Villa Decius once again became a meeting place for those interested in history, the arts, and herstory. This year’s edition of “Visiting Marcelina” transported participants to 19th-century Kraków, where Duchess Marcelina Czartoryska – philanthropist, accomplished pianist, and owner of the Villa from 1869 to 1894 – hosted one of the city’s most renowned cultural salons.
The day began with an inspiring author’s talk by Alicja Zioło – guide, activist, and herstory researcher – focused on her latest book “Krakowianki. Continuation”. The conversation offered a thoughtful reflection on women’s roles in the cultural and historical memory of the city.
For younger visitors, a detective walk led by Pani Fishka (Łucja Malec-Kornajew) turned the Villa’s surroundings into a trail of clues. Children followed the mystery of a missing keepsake once belonging to Fryderyk Chopin – friend and mentor to Duchess Marcelina.
Guests were also invited to join free guided tours of Villa Decius in Polish and English, based on the original scenario “Visiting Marcelina”, which presented the history of the place through the lens of its remarkable former owner.
The Villa’s loggia became a space for creativity during an artistic mosaic workshop. Participants of all ages created unique compositions using porcelain, glass, and ceramic pieces – inspired by the building’s architectural details.
The day concluded with a concert titled “With Music at Duchess Marcelina’s”, performed by students and teachers from the Mozart Music School. In the Renaissance Ballroom, the audience enjoyed music inspired by the duchess’s lifelong passion – the works of Fryderyk Chopin, of which she was one of the most acclaimed interpreters.
The event was organized in cooperation with the IB Polska Foundation, operator of the Multicultural Center in Kraków.
The event was held as part of the project “Stories. Wola Justowska – Yesterday and Today”, co-funded by the Museum of Polish History within the Patriotism of Tomorrow programme.
For younger visitors, a detective walk led by Pani Fishka (Łucja Malec-Kornajew) turned the Villa’s surroundings into a trail of clues. Children followed the mystery of a missing keepsake once belonging to Fryderyk Chopin – friend and mentor to Duchess Marcelina.
Guests were also invited to join free guided tours of Villa Decius in Polish and English, based on the original scenario “Visiting Marcelina”, which presented the history of the place through the lens of its remarkable former owner.
The Villa’s loggia became a space for creativity during an artistic mosaic workshop. Participants of all ages created unique compositions using porcelain, glass, and ceramic pieces – inspired by the building’s architectural details.
The day concluded with a concert titled “With Music at Duchess Marcelina’s”, performed by students and teachers from the Mozart Music School. In the Renaissance Ballroom, the audience enjoyed music inspired by the duchess’s lifelong passion – the works of Fryderyk Chopin, of which she was one of the most acclaimed interpreters.
The event was organized in cooperation with the IB Polska Foundation, operator of the Multicultural Center in Kraków.
The event was held as part of the project “Stories. Wola Justowska – Yesterday and Today”, co-funded by the Museum of Polish History within the Patriotism of Tomorrow programme.