The permanent exhibition of the Museum of World Cultures, a branch of the National Museum in Poznań, is an example of thoughtful and consistent design work, in which architects from Koza Nostra Studio utilised the potential of the museum building itself, a 19th-century Masonic lodge, without altering its character, while giving it a contemporary function. The whole has been designed to guide visitors through different narratives and materials, yet create a unified, clear story about cultural diversity.
At the end of October 2025, the National Museum in Poznań officially inaugurated the Museum of World Cultures. Visitors can see two permanent exhibitions there: “Creations. Tailor-made folk costumes” and “EXotica?”. These are over 600 artefacts and an infinite number of stories spanning Greater Poland, Europe and distant regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania.
The entrance area serves as the first point of contact with the museum and immediately signals its global character. The central element is a multimedia world map, which provides a dynamic backdrop for further exploration. The architects have combined sheet metal, plexiglass with iridescent foil, textured plaster and LED lighting formed into an installation under the ceiling. These materials create a modern, slightly futuristic atmosphere, contrasting with the historical architecture of the building.
The reception area also houses a functional shop, designed not to dominate the space but to complement it harmoniously. The whole area acts as a vestibule to two different permanent exhibitions that develop the museum’s theme.
Folk creations
The first of the permanent exhibitions occupies two rooms, each with its own character and visual narrative. The first room has been arranged as a tailor’s workshop. Here, visitors will find a table-display case with numerous drawers, a tailor’s mannequin and a drawing board. The space resembles a designer’s workplace, where sketches and prototypes are created. This is a conscious reference to the creative process that precedes the creation of a folk costume. The second room presents the finished creations. The architects have introduced a catwalk and mannequins floating above the floor, which gives the exhibition a light and theatrical feel. The backdrop is spring nature – rose petals and flowers that create a delicate, almost poetic setting. The exhibition not only shows the costumes, but also emphasises their symbolism and connection with nature.
EXotica?
On the next floor, there is the EXotica? exhibition, which presents a rich set of exhibits from different parts of the world. Each object has been placed in the context of its place of origin, which avoids simplifications and stereotypes.
The arrangement of the space is more abstract than in the previous section. Green rods suspended in space suggest the thicket of the jungle, and the dynamic arrangement of the exhibits – like spears pointing towards the visitor – reinforce the impression of intensity and movement. This is a technique designed to encourage the viewer to reflect on how they view other cultures and the history of collecting.
Consistency in diversity
Although each part of the exhibition uses different materials, colours and artistic references, the whole remains consistent. The architects from Koza Nostra Studio used contrasts – between history and the present, between subtlety and expression – to create an interior that not only presents objects but also builds an experience.
design: Koza NostraStudio
photos: ONI
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