Nicolaus Copernicus Year in Warmia and Masuria
Although it was Galileo Galilei, not Copernicus, who said “and yet it moves”, these words accurately reflect what will be happening in Warmia and Masuria as part of the Year of Nicolaus Copernicus. It is being celebrated in 2023 to mark the 550th anniversary of the astronomer’s birth and 480th anniversary of his death.
About Copernicus in museums
On 21 March, the Museum of Warmia and Masuria in Olsztyn opened the jubilee temporary exhibition “Copernici tempus et studium. Copernicus’ time and work”. The castle’s rooms house incunabula from Copernicus’ book collection, including legal and theological works with his notes, as well as a missal from the late 15th century. Also on display are apothecary’s instruments, liturgical vessels and coins used in Prussia at the time of the great astronomer.
His life and work can also be explored through new exhibitions at the Nicolaus Copernicus Museum in Frombork. Younger explorers of the universe will certainly be interested in a special screening entitled “Astronomy of Copernicus” at the museum’s planetarium. Frombork is also preparing a real treat for fans of numismatics – on 21 May there will be an opening of the international exhibition “From Godel to the present – Nicolaus Copernicus in numismatics and medal-making”.
About Copernicus musically
May in Frombork is also the time of the premiere of a unique event on the cultural map of the region – the musical “Copernicus”. This is the first musical to refer to the life of the astronomer. The libretto describes the most important events of his life – from his studies in Krakow, Padua and Bologna, his arrival in Warmia, his canonical ministry, his medical practice and astronomical research, to his participation in the coronation of Sigismund the Old and the Prussian homage, the creation and publication of “De revolutionibus”.
The pre-premiere performances will take place on 20 and 21 May on Frombork’s Cathedral Hill in front of the Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Andrew.
About Copernicus scientifically
The Year of Nicolaus Copernicus is also a good opportunity to take stock of the state of historical research into the astronomer’s life and legacy. On April 19, the Olsztyn Castle will host open, international meetings with historians regarding the heritage of Nicolaus Copernicus entitled “Si verum est.” On 22 June, also within the walls of the Olsztyn castle, an international scientific conference will be held as part of the World Copernican Congress. In September, there will be a conference entitled “Births and active life. How Olsztyn and Toruń argue about Copernicus”. Also in September, the Frombork museum will invite to an international conference entitled “The Museum of the Frombork Area”. “Images of Nicolaus Copernicus”, dedicated to images of the astronomer in medals and numismatics, contemporary art, philately, painting, graphics.
Fot. Grzegorz Kumorowicz
For more information on events related to the Year of Nicolaus Copernicus in the region, visit: https://kopernik.warmia.mazury.pl/
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