The Greater Poland Uprising is a part of Greater Poland's Museum of Independence and was founded in December 2001. The museum is placed in the building of old guardhouse on Old Market Square in Poznań.
The building itself is one of the most valuable pieces of architecture in Poland. Originally it was built of wood in 18th century. In 1787 the building was modernized by Polish architect Jan Chrystian Kamsetzer. During Prussian occupation the building became the main guardhouse of Poznań Fortress which was also built under Prussian rule.
The guardhouse on Old Market Square in our city was an important point for the history of the Greater Poland Uprising. In November 1918 it was recaptured by Polish side and garrisoned by Citizen's Guard (later renamed to People's Guard) - a military formation made mostly of volunteers and veterans of World War I.
During the interwar period the guardhouse was being used as a military arrest. In 1945 the building was heavily damaged and the reconstructing works ended in 1951.