Central Military Library

The Central Military Library is a specialized collection in Warsaw focusing on military and defense topics. It holds varied materials from everyday books to rare manuscripts and historical photographs.

The library was founded in the early 20th century as a collection focused on military strategy and warfare. World War II nearly destroyed everything, but donations and rebuilding efforts later restored much of the collection.

The library's name reflects its role as a central military institution, and its collections show how defense history shapes Polish national memory. Visitors can sense the importance placed on documenting military experiences and struggles.

Visiting is best planned ahead since some collections are reserved for researchers. It helps to ask about public reading areas and available digital resources before arriving.

A notable collection came from Polish emigrants in London who donated thousands of documents about Polish aviation history after the war. These materials form a rare source that would otherwise be hard to find.

Location: Warsaw

Inception: June 13, 1919

Part of: list of libraries damaged during World War II

Website: http://cbw.wp.mil.pl

GPS coordinates: 52.23480,21.08020

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:47