Budimex Signs Agreement for Museum Project in Okopy Honoring Father Jerzy Popiełuszko
Budimex S.A., one of Poland’s leading construction and infrastructure companies, has signed a significant contract to serve as the general contractor for the construction of the Museum of Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko. The museum will be located in the village of Okopy, situated in the Suchowola commune, the birthplace of the revered Polish priest. The total value of the investment is approximately PLN 44.27 million gross, and the project is scheduled for completion within 21 months from the signing of the agreement, with the grand opening anticipated in the first quarter of 2027.
A Landmark Cultural and Spiritual Project
The upcoming museum is set to become a modern cultural, spiritual, and educational institution devoted to the life, work, and enduring legacy of Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, who is remembered as one of the most symbolic figures of Polish resistance against communist oppression. Born in Okopy, Fr. Popiełuszko became widely known for his moral courage and unwavering advocacy for human dignity, workers’ rights, and truth during a turbulent era in Poland’s 20th-century history.
Tragically, he was kidnapped and murdered in 1984 by officers of the Security Service of the Polish People’s Republic for his support of the Solidarity movement and his vocal sermons defending fundamental human rights. His message, centered on the powerful concept of “Overcome evil with good,” continues to resonate deeply within Polish society and beyond.
Institutional Support and Strategic Significance
This museum is being developed as a new branch of the Podlaskie Museum in Białystok and will be operated jointly by the Podlaskie Voivodeship and the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. Its creation is part of a broader effort to preserve and disseminate the spiritual and national heritage of significant Polish historical figures, especially those linked to the country’s struggle for freedom and dignity.
The project is being co-financed through the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021–2027 (FEnIKS) programme, a comprehensive European Union initiative that supports development efforts in critical public sectors. The museum stands as a testament to both local and national dedication to cultural preservation, education, and historical remembrance.
Architectural Scope and Construction Details
As the general contractor, Budimex will oversee a wide scope of responsibilities involved in bringing this cultural landmark to life. The planned works encompass demolition and site preparation, earthworks, and the full construction of the museum facility itself. Budimex will also handle the complete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations, including sanitary and heating systems, ensuring that the infrastructure meets modern safety and efficiency standards.
Additionally, the project includes high-quality finishing work and comprehensive landscaping of the surrounding area. This will involve the development of internal access roads, pedestrian walkways, and carefully designed public spaces, offering visitors a welcoming and reflective environment.
The architectural design emphasizes both functionality and reverence, aiming to create a space that honors the life and message of Father Popiełuszko while providing a high-quality visitor experience. The facility is expected to include multimedia exhibitions, archival displays, a chapel or prayer room, a research and documentation center, and spaces for public lectures, workshops, and community engagement.
A Space for Education, Remembrance, and Dialogue
According to project documentation, the museum’s mission is not limited to commemorating Father Popiełuszko as a martyr. It will also aim to engage visitors in broader discussions about civil courage, the importance of ethical leadership, the resistance against totalitarian regimes, and the enduring value of human dignity. Through interactive displays and curated exhibits, the museum will position Father Popiełuszko’s story within a wider historical, regional, and national context, thus becoming a site of education and inspiration for future generations.
The educational content will likely be tailored to a wide audience, including school groups, scholars, tourists, and the local community. Programs may also focus on human rights, faith in public life, and Poland’s recent history, particularly the opposition to communism and the development of civil society in the late 20th century.
Commitment to Heritage Construction
Marek Kułak, Contract Director at Budimex S.A., expressed the company’s deep sense of honor and responsibility in being selected for the project:
“The implementation of this project is both an honor and an obligation for Budimex. Constructing the Museum of Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko in the very place of his birth provides a unique opportunity to co-create a space of remembrance and reflection dedicated to one of the most iconic heroes in Poland’s recent history.”
Budimex S.A. has a long-standing reputation for excellence in constructing facilities of historical and cultural significance throughout Poland. Their portfolio includes several flagship projects aligned with national heritage preservation and cultural enrichment.
Among their most prominent projects is the Museum of Polish History at the Warsaw Citadel, one of the largest and most technologically advanced museum complexes in Europe. This facility integrates expansive exhibition halls, modern digital infrastructure, and archival resources, reflecting the standard Budimex consistently upholds.
In 2023, Budimex completed the modernization of the Polish Theatre in Szczecin, enhancing its technical capabilities while preserving its historic character. That same year, the company delivered a new, state-of-the-art building for the State Archives in Bydgoszcz, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The facility incorporates cutting-edge architectural and climate-control technologies designed to preserve nearly 30 kilometers of archival materials in optimal environmental conditions.
A Symbolic Step Forward
The construction of the Museum of Blessed Father Jerzy Popiełuszko in Okopy is not just a regional development project—it is a symbolic endeavor that intertwines memory, identity, and future vision. It is expected to serve as a magnet for pilgrims, tourists, researchers, and all those who seek to understand the spiritual and historical roots of Poland’s struggle for truth and justice.
This investment will also bring long-term benefits to the local community. It is likely to stimulate regional development by creating jobs, increasing cultural tourism, and supporting educational initiatives. The location—Okopy, a small village with deep historical roots—will gain increased visibility and a new role in the Polish cultural landscape.
