The KF House
The Kosciuszko Foundation acquired the National Polish Center in January 2010. Formerly known as The American Center of Polish Culture, it was conceived in 1985 at a convention of the American Council for Polish Culture, Inc. to serve as a home for Polonia in the nation’s capital. Al and Patricia Koproski of Connecticut led the fundraising effort and, in 1988 the American Center of Polish Culture, Inc. was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization.
Generous contributions by the Koproskis triggered other donations to buy and renovate the 1895 townhouse at 2025 “O” Street in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. The Center opened in 1992 as the American Center of Polish Culture to become the first and only home for Polonia in Washington.
The building on O street continues to host art exhibits, lectures, discussion groups, evenings of music, book signings, and educational programs for children and adults. In 2007-2008, it participated in “An Imaginary Flight to Poland” educational program in cooperation with the Polish Embassy. This program taught children enrolled at Washington, DC’s Ann Beers Elementary School about Polish history, culture, language, music and dancing. The program was so well organized that the Embassy actually took the students in the program on a trip to Poland in the summer of 2008.
The Polish center organized dinners and events to honor individuals of Polish heritage who have made significant contributions to the United States and Poland, honoring, among others, Dr. Zbigniew Brzezinski, General Alexander Haig, WWII heroes Jan Karski and Jan Nowak, and Solidarity Leader and former President of Poland Lech Walesa.
Space rental
The beautiful Victorian townhouse at the heart of Washington D.C. – the headquarters of the Kosciuszko Foundation – offers a unique and elegant setting for a wide range of social functions. Located in the historic Dupont Circle area, the townhouse offers three stylish rooms suitable for cocktail parties, musical events, receptions, seminars and formal gatherings. The Victorian architecture and antique furnishings give the townhouse a distinctive character, making it the ideal setting for events ranging from elegant dinner parties to photo shoots.
The French artist and architect Louis D. Meline, known for designing the surrounding rowhouses and mansions in the Dupont area, constructed the townhouse in the late 19th century in the traditional Victorian manner. Refined taste and ornate decoration characterize the highly stylized decor in the building’s interior. The wood paneled floors and historic paintings that line the walls give the rooms a vintage, authentic ambiance, making a remarkable impression within the stylish but comfortable chambers. Notable residents of the townhouse have included Colombian ambassador Climaco Calderon Reyes, the eighth librarian of the Library of Congress Herbert Putnum, and the famous artist Eliot O’Hara.
The space available for rent includes three rooms, comprising a total of approximately 750 square feet. A concert room with a grand piano, a fireplace, and a large bay window overlooking the street, is perfect for a musical performance or recital. There is also a reception room and a sizable dining room, featuring a stylish interior design and ornate fireplaces, ideal for hosting a formal dinner or banquet.
The space is available for rent during the week as well as on weekends. For additional information or to schedule an appointment please contact us at:
