Borussia Foundation, Olsztyn, Poland

The Borussia Foundation in Olsztyn

The Borussia Foundation is one of the most active and successful non-governmental organizations in Poland. Over the last two centuries their work has created a space for various activities: they organize seminars, workshops, societal debates and long-term voluntary projects for young people. They work actively toward the rescue and protection of the cultural heritage of the region and the development of transnational cooperation. Borussia initiates and supports civil society activities in the areas of culture and education, in which people of different ages, employment groups, and education levels participate. Through their activities Broussia fosters a mutual kinship with neighbors, dialog, and partnership building.

The Mendelsohn Haus Program

The goal of the MENDELSOHN HAUS Program is to establish a Center for Intercultural Dialog in the Bet Tahara House, in the Jewish cemetery in Olsztyn by the year 2012. The building was constructed in 1913 based on the designs of the famous architect Erich Mendelsohn. It remained the only work in his home town and is, today, the last vestige of Jewish life in Olsztyn. The Borussia Foundation intends not merely to preserve the city, but rather to transform it into an active center for meeting, remembrance and debate. In parallel with renovations to the building, events will be organized which will propel the MENDELSOHN HAUS into the city’s cultural awareness.