Artium Milites: The Legend Becomes History is an immersive experiment that blurs the lines between history, myth, and political propaganda. This faux historical exhibition reconstructs the story of a fictitious 9th-century order, Artium Milites, renowned for its unwavering defense of art until its fall in 1724. Through a collection of fabricated artifacts, virtual reality simulations, and an audio-narrated historical journey, the exhibition challenges conventional notions of historical truth. Rather than aiming to deceive, the project explores how storytelling techniques and political narratives shape our perception of history, exposing their inherent susceptibility to manipulation. The legend of the order serves as a powerful case study on the role of mythmaking in constructing history and propaganda.
Visitors embark on an extraordinary journey through time, tracing the history of the Artium Milites from its origins to its tragic demise. Founded in the 9th century, the order dedicated itself to protecting artists and preserving artistic knowledge. During Poland’s Christianization, its members secretly safeguarded pagan sculptures as vital elements of cultural heritage. In the Middle Ages, they defended artists tasked with documenting battlefields, ensuring that art remained a witness to history. The order’s leadership often included the sisters of kings and queens, highlighting its deep connection to European nobility.
By the Renaissance, Artium Milites had evolved into a democratic institution governed by a council representing multiple religions. It championed cultural exchange, promoted artistic education among the lower classes, and worked to expand knowledge beyond elite circles, particularly among peasants. In the 16th century, the order took a radical step by endorsing and protecting same-sex marriages—an act that led to relentless persecution by the Catholic Church.
By the 17th and 18th centuries, the Inquisition systematically dismantled the order, condemning most of its members to death. The final stand of Artium Milites was led by the captain Dorota Piekuta, who was ultimately captured and burned at the stake in 1724. The exhibition includes an urn said to contain her ashes, a symbolic relic commemorating the order’s legacy and its defiance in the face of oppression.
Artworks & Design: Lew Sołowiej
VR Simulation: Rufus Rufson
Audio Guide: Krystyna Czubówna & Maciej Gudowski
Frames & Props Aging: RENES
Music: Tymek Bryndal
Artworks & Design: Lew Sołowiej
VR Simulation: Rufus Rufson
Audio Guide: Krystyna Czubówna & Maciej Gudowski
Frames & Props Aging: RENES
Music: Tymek Bryndal
photo: Bartek Zalewski
