Muzealna próba opowiedzenia historii zwierząt. Kilka refleksji o wystawie „Fauna. Zwierzęta na wojnie i ich ludzie” w Muzeum II Wojny Światowej
Abstract
This text is a review of the exhibition “Fauna: Animals at War and Their People”, held at the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk from May 7 to December 28, 2025. Adopting the ethically critical perspective of animal studies, the author analyzes the accuracy of the exhibition’s portrayal of animals as sentient, subjective living beings. The reviewer’s perspective calls for skepticism regarding manifestations of anthropocentrism in scientific, museum, and curatorial practices. The review briefly discusses: a) the exhibition’s objectives and the manner of their implementation; b) the exhibition’s placement within the Museum in relation to the main permanent exhibition; c) the exhibition’s narrative, the scope and method of knowledge dissemination, and their positioning against major trends in the history of animals—including the presence of an ethical perspective and empathy towards non-human animals; and d) the role of art within the exhibition.