Established on the initiative of Andrzej Wajda and opened in 1994 as the ‘Manggha’ Centre of Japanese Art and Technology, the ‘Manggha’ Museum of Japanese Art and Technology was a branch of the National Museum in Kraków for 10 years, simultaneously facilitating the work of the Andrzej Wajda and Krystyna Zachwatowicz Kyoto-Kraków Foundation. In 2005, granted autonomy by a decision of the Culture Minister, it received the status of a state institution of culture, and since 2007, it has functioned as a museum. The activities of the ‘Manggha’ Museum are inspired by the spirit of the great Polish collector and art expert, Feliks Jasieński, the institution's patron. It is intended to be in line with his deep and still current understanding of the social role of art, which serves a wide audience, develops and educates, is easily accessible and widely known – not hidden in books. The Manggha Museum also put the vision of its Founder into practice – the vision of a place where Poland meets Japan, and the rich Japanese tradition is presented next to the newest technological achievements, a vision of an open and friendly place for all who come here.