Before work begins on the permanent commemoration of the ‘Miła 18’ archaeological site, experts are faced with a very important question: how to make the discovered shelters and architectural remains of the Warsaw Ghetto accessible to the public, whilst preserving their authenticity and ensuring adequate protection? The Warsaw Ghetto Museum has been conducting research since 2022 and, at the same time, is developing an exhibition concept for this unique site.
Miła 18 reveals further traces of the ghetto
The ‘Miła 18’ archaeological site, located in Warsaw’s Muranów district at the junction of Miła and Dubois Streets, neighbours the Anielewicz Mound and is currently the site of the most significant research into the history of the Warsaw Ghetto and the 1943 Uprising. During the German occupation, a tenement house stood on the site, featuring an extensive network of cellars, shelters and bunkers used by members of the Jewish Combat Organisation as hideouts and as a base for their underground activities. Following the fall of the ghetto uprising, the neighbourhood’s buildings were almost completely razed to the ground, and the site was filled with rubble. It was from these remains of the former Muranów that the Anielewicz Mound was later built, in memory of the uprising’s leader. For many years, this site served primarily as a place of remembrance, whilst its archaeological potential remained untapped.
3,000 artefacts unearthed
Systematic research into the area around the mound only began in the 21st century. Initially, non-invasive geophysical surveys were carried out, which helped to identify objects hidden beneath the ground. In 2022, the Warsaw Ghetto Museum began advanced excavations led by archaeologist Dr Jacek Konik. The work revealed the cellars of 19th-century tenement houses and fragments of the former district’s underground infrastructure. Archaeologists also unearthed over 3,000 artefacts documenting the daily lives of the ghetto’s inhabitants. The finds include kitchenware, items of clothing and footwear, as well as objects related to religious practices, such as tefillin and parts of candlesticks. Documents and books proved particularly valuable, enabling researchers to gain a better understanding of the social, spiritual and intellectual life of the isolated Jewish community.
Miła 18 and the Anielewicz bunker
18 Miła Street is an address associated with the final stage of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. On 8 May 1943, the Germans discovered a shelter housing the headquarters of the Jewish Combat Organisation, led by Mordechaj Anielewicz, the aforementioned leader of the uprising. The exact circumstances of his death remain unknown. Some of those in hiding died after gas was pumped into the bunker; others took their own lives; and only a few managed to escape. Excavations carried out from 6 June to 19 August 2022 uncovered well-preserved cellars in 19th-century tenement houses at the former addresses of 18 and 20 Miła Street. In the neighbouring building, archaeologists discovered a concrete chamber and a system of underground passages leading towards the Anielewicz Mound. Researchers suspect that these may be fragments of the Anielewicz bunker; however, no remains of the victims were found during the work.
How should the uncovered shelters be displayed?
The greatest challenge today is how to make the uncovered relics of the ghetto accessible to the public. Conservationists and specialists must balance the protection of historical monuments with the possibility of safe public access and a clear presentation of the history of this site. Several options are being considered, but the one deemed most desirable and appropriate by archaeologists involves the construction of a full-enclosure to protect the uncovered cellars from the adverse effects of the weather.
Experts will draw up a concept for commemoration
The immense significance of the discoveries at 18 Miła Street and deliberations on the best possible form of protection led the director of the Warsaw Ghetto Museum, Dr Katarzyna Person, to establish an Interdisciplinary Team of Experts for the Implementation of a Permanent Commemoration of 18 Miła Street. The team comprised Dr Eleonora Bergman, Piotr Bujnowski, Dr Maria Ferenc, Prof. Zbigniew Kobyliński, Michał Krasucki, Dr Piotr Rypson, Remigiusz Sosnowski, Jolanta Winiarska, Magdalena Kruszewska-Polak and Franciszek Bojańczyk. The group is drawing up the guidelines for the future memorial, taking into account the historical, archaeological and symbolic significance of the site. The results of their work were presented on 24 June during a meeting between the expert team, the media and the residents of Warsaw.
Miła 18 and next steps
In the summer of 2026, local studies into the future development of the site will begin, with the results due to be presented in the autumn. A feasibility study setting out the next steps will then be produced at the turn of 2026 and 2027. In 2027, work will begin on an architectural competition and an international fundraising campaign, and in the autumn of that same year, the main headquarters of the Warsaw Ghetto Museum will open, housing some of the artefacts discovered during the excavations. The years 2028 and 2029 will see the organisation of an international competition and the start of construction of a permanent memorial at the ‘Miła 18’ site.
Further archaeological research is currently underway at Miła 18, and the findings are being disseminated to the public. Visitors can view the open-air exhibition ‘Miła – The State of Affairs’, use the audio guide available on the Bloomberg Connects app, and learn about the history of over 3,000 artefacts discovered during the excavations. The original artefacts are to be displayed at the main headquarters of the Warsaw Ghetto Museum, which is scheduled to open in autumn 2027. The archaeological site itself is open from June to October, Tuesday to Sunday from 12.00 to 17.00, and admission is free.
Source: Warsaw Ghetto Museum – https://1943.pl/
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