The Order of the Builders of People’s Poland

• Time Period: Post-WW2 Period
• Year of Institution: 2 July 1949
• Country: Poland

The Order of the Builders of People’s Poland (or Order Budowniczych Polski Ludowej in Polish) was the highest civil decoration of Poland in the times of the People’s Republic of Poland. Unofficially, it replaced Poland’s highest pre-war order, the Order of the White Eagle. The order was awarded to many leaders of worship, notable party members (including military personnel) and others.

The order was established by the Sejm on 2 July 1949 for “awarding unique achievements in the task of building People’s Poland”. It was awarded by the president of Poland until the office was abolished in 1952; from then it was awarded by the Polish Council of State. It had only one class. A person decorated with the order had the title of a Builder of People’s Poland (Budowniczy Polski Ludowej).

The Order was last awarded in 1985. Up to that time, about 310 individuals were awarded the Order, and 10 institutions and territorial units (for instance, cities and administrative entities – voivodeships). During the times of the People’s Republic, 7 recipients had their orders revoked. It was officially disestablished 2 years after the People’s Republic was replaced by the Third Republic.

The order could be awarded to Polish individuals, enterprises, and institutions that performed exceptional deeds in the fields of:

• National economy, in particular through inventions, improving work organizations, and work inspiration and efficiency.
• Education, science, culture and art.
• National defense.
• Health and sport.
• Public service.

The Order of the Builders of People’s Poland Design

The medal was designed by Michał Bylina and Wojciech Jastrzębski.

The Order has a golden rosette and measures 53 mm in diameter. The rosette has eight petals enameled with white (inner) and red (outer). Petals are separated by gold rays. In the center is a white-encircled blue medallion, which depicts a gold male figure carrying a hammer and a red banner. The reverse has a red enameled medallion with, in gold, the letters PRL, standing for Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa – People’s Republic of Poland (orders awarded before the state’s name changed in 1952 have the letters RP for Rzeczpospolita Polska).

The ribbon is 40 mm wide and is red-white-red with blue edges.