The Theatre of Affectionate Hearts : Izabela Czartoryska’s Musée des Monuments Polonais in Puławy (1801–1831)

This chapter discusses the so-called Temple of the Sibyl, the first Polish museum, opened in 1801 by Princess Izabela Czartoryska in Puławy. The idea of the creation of the temple originated from the reaction to the loss of Polish independence in 1795. The temple offered an exceptional, very emotional way of experiencing history, which here is called affective. It is argued that this manner of experiencing is the key to understanding the remarkable success of the Puławy museum among Poles. The intensity of feelings that visitors experienced was achieved by appealing to religious rhetoric and through theatrical references. Making it similar to a religious ritual ensured a sublime, solemn atmosphere, the theatrical nature of which allowed guests to freely express their feelings.