Polish Scientific Centre in Rome in the face of the attempts at its transformation and politicisation in the interwar period

Abstract

The Polish Scientific Centre in Rome [Stacja Naukowa PAU w Rzymie] was founded in 1921. In the course of time, the Polish and Italian authorities began to take actions to use it for their political and propaganda purposes. Józef Michałowski, the founder and director of the Centre, was opposed to these actions. Focusing on strictly scientific activity, he did his best to prevent any repressive measures that could be taken by the Italian and Polish governments against it. The article discusses his efforts and their effects in the interwar period. After the Second World War, the Centre joined the International Union of Institutes of Archeology, History and the History of Art [Unione internazionale degli istituti di archeologia, storia e storia dell’arte] in Rome. Its admission to this respectable organisation was a sign of international recognition not only for the activities of the Centre but also for its independent political stance in the difficult period of Fascist rule in Italy.