Warsaw is the capital and the biggest city of Poland (with a population of 1,7 million people; 2,6 million in whole metropolis). It is the national centre of political, economic, scientific and cultural life. Apart from hosting the most important political organisations, it is also a location of national museums, theatres, galleries and numerous other private and public cultural institutions. The City of Warsaw institutionally and financially supports various initiatives which are developed in order to protect the historical heritage. Many of the collections of cultural opposition are situated in Warsaw and enjoy the support of its authorities.