Public Guardian of Monuments – selected problems, experiences and recommendations

The article outlines the roots of the necessity of heritage protection and describes the legal framework in which the socially essential protection of monuments and care of monuments in Poland is carried out. The role of the institution of the Public Guardian of Monuments in the polish system is presented. Based on existing research, selected challenges facing the social care of monuments are described. Based on their own experience, the authors supplemented the list of problems with remarks resulting from previous activities in social care of monuments and experience in the study of tangible heritage. The analysis of cooperation between selected institutions involved in heritage preservation in Łódź allowed to expand the catalogue of challenges. The conclusions made it possible to formulate proposals for changes that could partially respond to some of the identified problems. Moreover, it was indicated that further discussion on modifications in the heritage preservation system is necessary and its holistic and interdisciplinary character may strengthen the effectiveness of the reforms.