Thirty Years of Openness, Dialogue and Shared Responsibility: Villa Decius Celebrates Its Jubilee 07.09.2026
On 6 September 2026, Villa Decius welcomed guests to a Jubilee Gala marking thirty years since the historic residence reopened its doors to the people of Kraków. The anniversary offered an opportunity not only to reflect on the institution’s achievements, but also to recognise the enduring value of a place in which culture fosters dialogue, strengthens communities and creates space for cooperation across borders.
“Culture is becoming a strategic sphere of influence. When we hear these words alongside concepts such as dialogue, partnership, resilience, community and international cooperation, it would be easy to think that they describe the mission of Villa Decius. In fact, this is the language of Europe’s latest cultural policy document, A Culture Compass for Europe. The document recognises culture as a strategic resource—one that matters for trust, international relations and Europe’s capacity to act in times of tension. This is precisely why today’s anniversary carries such special significance,” said Professor Dominika Kasprowicz, Director of the Villa Decius Institute for Culture, in her welcome address.
Thirty years of a place open to the city
In 1996, following extensive restoration, Villa Decius was returned to the residents of Kraków. The reopening of the Renaissance residence was made possible by the commitment and foresight of the Municipality of Kraków. By restoring the building and giving it a public purpose, the city safeguarded not only an exceptional monument, but also a place whose significance is continuously renewed through the people, ideas and initiatives it brings together.
For three decades, Villa Decius has remained open to the people of Kraków: to residents of Wola Justowska and other parts of the city, to artists and scholars, to children, young people and older residents, as well as to people who have found a new home in Kraków. Its programme has consistently combined care for cultural heritage with civic responsibility and a readiness to respond to contemporary social challenges.
The anniversary was therefore a celebration of more than the restoration of a historic building. It commemorated thirty years of Villa Decius as a living part of Kraków—a place of encounter, conversation and intellectual exchange.
For three decades, Villa Decius has remained open to the people of Kraków: to residents of Wola Justowska and other parts of the city, to artists and scholars, to children, young people and older residents, as well as to people who have found a new home in Kraków. Its programme has consistently combined care for cultural heritage with civic responsibility and a readiness to respond to contemporary social challenges.
The anniversary was therefore a celebration of more than the restoration of a historic building. It commemorated thirty years of Villa Decius as a living part of Kraków—a place of encounter, conversation and intellectual exchange.
A partnership built on trust and shared responsibility
The history of Villa Decius over the past thirty years is also a compelling example of a public–civic partnership. The Municipality of Kraków provides institutional stability, maintains the historic property and supports the infrastructure required for its continued development. The Villa Decius Association contributes its social and intellectual capital, professional expertise, international relationships and many years of experience in developing programmes devoted to culture, dialogue and human rights. The Villa Decius Institute for Culture translates this cooperation into a year-round programme addressed to both local communities and international audiences.
This partnership has enabled Villa Decius to remain faithful to its historical identity while responding to the needs of a changing city. It demonstrates that responsible cultural governance can unite the resources of local government with the knowledge, experience and social commitment of civic institutions.
The City of Kraków deserves particular recognition for its consistent stewardship of Villa Decius and for understanding that heritage is not preserved through conservation alone. It remains truly alive when it is made accessible to residents and becomes part of their everyday cultural experience. The reopening of Villa Decius in 1996 was an expression of precisely such a vision—far-sighted, responsible and firmly rooted in the public interest.
This partnership has enabled Villa Decius to remain faithful to its historical identity while responding to the needs of a changing city. It demonstrates that responsible cultural governance can unite the resources of local government with the knowledge, experience and social commitment of civic institutions.
The City of Kraków deserves particular recognition for its consistent stewardship of Villa Decius and for understanding that heritage is not preserved through conservation alone. It remains truly alive when it is made accessible to residents and becomes part of their everyday cultural experience. The reopening of Villa Decius in 1996 was an expression of precisely such a vision—far-sighted, responsible and firmly rooted in the public interest.
A jubilee devoted to history and dialogue
The programme of the Gala reflected both the long history of Villa Decius and the ideas that have shaped its work since 1996. During the first discussion, entitled Villa Decius: Five Centuries of History, Professor Zdzisław Noga spoke with Dr Zbigniew Beiersdorf, Dr Krzysztof Kloc and Dr Konrad Meus about the residence’s place in the history of Kraków and the cultural heritage of Poland.
The second panel, Thirty Years of Dialogue at Villa Decius, was chaired by Professor Dominika Kasprowicz. Its participants—Dr Danuta Glondys, Dr Krzysztof Görlich, Robert Piaskowski and Henryk Woźniakowski—reflected on the institution’s development, its role in public life and the significance of dialogue at a time marked by growing social and political tensions.
The evening’s musical setting was provided by musicians of Capella Cracoviensis. The programme included Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s String Quintet in B-flat major, K. 174, and Felix Mendelssohn’s String Quintet No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 87. The Gala concluded with an anniversary toast, a formal dinner and the cutting of the jubilee cake.
Honours recognising service to culture and Kraków
One of the most significant moments of the ceremony was the presentation of state and municipal honours.
Professor Dominika Kasprowicz, Director of the Villa Decius Institute for Culture, received the Bronze Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis, awarded by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. The distinction is one of Poland’s foremost honours recognising exceptional contributions to culture and the protection of national heritage.
Stanisław Kracik, Acting Mayor of Kraków, presented the City of Kraków’s Honoris Gratia distinctions to:
The second panel, Thirty Years of Dialogue at Villa Decius, was chaired by Professor Dominika Kasprowicz. Its participants—Dr Danuta Glondys, Dr Krzysztof Görlich, Robert Piaskowski and Henryk Woźniakowski—reflected on the institution’s development, its role in public life and the significance of dialogue at a time marked by growing social and political tensions.
The evening’s musical setting was provided by musicians of Capella Cracoviensis. The programme included Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s String Quintet in B-flat major, K. 174, and Felix Mendelssohn’s String Quintet No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 87. The Gala concluded with an anniversary toast, a formal dinner and the cutting of the jubilee cake.
Honours recognising service to culture and Kraków
One of the most significant moments of the ceremony was the presentation of state and municipal honours.
Professor Dominika Kasprowicz, Director of the Villa Decius Institute for Culture, received the Bronze Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis, awarded by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. The distinction is one of Poland’s foremost honours recognising exceptional contributions to culture and the protection of national heritage.
Stanisław Kracik, Acting Mayor of Kraków, presented the City of Kraków’s Honoris Gratia distinctions to:
- Professor Dominika Kasprowicz
- Adrian Antczak
- Artur Zych
- Anna Antoniewska
- Aleksandra Szymańska-Niekłań
- Stanisław Rusin
Thank you for celebrating with us
We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who joined us for the Jubilee Gala. We thank the representatives of the City of Kraków, the invited guests, speakers, artists, partner institutions, members of the Villa Decius Association, the team of the Villa Decius Institute for Culture, and all the friends and supporters of Villa Decius.
We are especially grateful to the residents of Kraków, whose presence has given meaning to the Villa’s public mission for the past thirty years. It is through their participation that Villa Decius remains not merely a historic residence, but a place genuinely present in the life of the city.
Thank you for your kind words, congratulations, memories and conversations. Your presence lent the anniversary both distinction and warmth, reminding us that the history of Villa Decius is, above all, a history created by people.
In the coming weeks, we will share congratulatory letters and addresses delivered by our distinguished guests. They form an important record of this anniversary and offer a multitude of perspectives on the significance of Villa Decius for Kraków, Poland and international cultural cooperation.
The thirtieth anniversary is not only an occasion to look back. It marks the beginning of a new chapter—one in which Villa Decius will continue to serve the people of Kraków as a place of culture, dialogue, hospitality and shared responsibility.
We are especially grateful to the residents of Kraków, whose presence has given meaning to the Villa’s public mission for the past thirty years. It is through their participation that Villa Decius remains not merely a historic residence, but a place genuinely present in the life of the city.
Thank you for your kind words, congratulations, memories and conversations. Your presence lent the anniversary both distinction and warmth, reminding us that the history of Villa Decius is, above all, a history created by people.
In the coming weeks, we will share congratulatory letters and addresses delivered by our distinguished guests. They form an important record of this anniversary and offer a multitude of perspectives on the significance of Villa Decius for Kraków, Poland and international cultural cooperation.
The thirtieth anniversary is not only an occasion to look back. It marks the beginning of a new chapter—one in which Villa Decius will continue to serve the people of Kraków as a place of culture, dialogue, hospitality and shared responsibility.