The archives and book collections at the Institute of Industrial Design constitute one of the most valuable in Poland, providing a unique source of knowledge about the history of domestic and global industrial design and applied art. This resource has no equivalent in public collections – it documents both the Institute’s design and research activities, while also serving as source and teaching material for designers, researchers, students, journalists, and the entire creative community. As part of the national cultural heritage, it requires protection, scholarly study, and widespread dissemination.

The archive of photographs and design documentation, gathered since 1946, offers a unique panorama of post-war Polish design. It encompasses materials covering nearly all areas of design – from ceramics, furniture, and fabrics, to fashion, footwear, ergonomics, children’s design, school equipment, household appliances, and transportation. It also contains documentation of exhibitions, competitions, and fairs in which the Institute participated or co-organized.