The beautiful, Łazienki Park is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll in any season but particularly in spring and summer. Located surprisingly close to the city center, it is the former summer residence of King Stanislaw August Poniatowski and boasts a palace, an amphitheater and a number of other interesting buildings. During the summer, open-air Chopin concerts are held in the Rose Garden every Sunday at noon. The concerts attract music lovers and tourists alike and there is always a genteel scramble for the best bench.
Before it was the 'Palace on the Water' at the heart of Lazienki Park, this scenic spot hosted a bathhouse built by 18th-century aristocrat Stanislas Lubomirski. The neoclassical structure standing today dates back to 1766 when King Stanislaw Poniatowski commissioned it as a summer residence. Architectural details like Corinthian columns and artwork-heavy interiors contribute to the beauty that Łazienki Palace has to offer, not to mention the select decorative pieces from the original bathhouse. Highlights of the palace and museum include the ballroom and rotunda, which contains statues of four Polish kings known for creating prosperity, designed by Jan Kamsetzer and Merlini respectively.
This is another of Warsaw's beautiful parks just south of the Old Town with over a hundred different species of trees. It used to be the gardens of the Saxon Palace and has tree-lined avenues, Baroque sculptures and an elegant 19th-century fountain. On the eastern border of the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a reminder of Poland's past. On a lighter note, the park also provides much amusement in the winter months when hundreds of ducks gather on the snow or ice near Marszalkowska.
The Copernicus Science Centre opened in November 2010. It is one of the most remarkable science museums across Europe and aims to promote science and make it more accessible to average people. Located in a spacious three-story building on the bank of the Vistula River, the center is an ideal place for tourists and Warsaw residents alike. A really great choice for a family day out, there is also a planetarium on-site where you can catch a documentary or movie about astronomy.
Zamek Królewski is a monument of historical and national significance for Poland. Situated in the beautiful capital city of Warsaw, this castle was the seat of the Republic in the 16th Century and the royal residence. With a sprawling structure in the midst of lush green fields, Zamek Królewski is a testimony of grand Polish architecture. The interiors are laced with paintings, sculptures and other pieces of art by renowned artists. In the present day, the castle houses a museum and a cultural center as well. Various art exhibitions and other events are organized at this privileged venue.
A part of Ujazdowski Castle has been converted into a light airy space for hosting cutting-edge exhibitions, performances, films and video from Polish, European and American artists. It's a place to see and be seen. You will come away inspired, shocked, maybe offended, but rarely indifferent. Finish off your visit with a stroll around Lazienki Park or follow in the artistic mood with a bite to eat in the Quchnia des Artistes - at the rear of the castle where artistic waiters will serve you the latest creations.
The Galeria Milano, located on the east of the city center, provides a platform for contemporary artists of various art forms. It was initiated in 1990 and has, in the past, exhibited paintings, photographs, sculptures and ceramic works. The facility is spread at more than 500 square meters and is a fine commercial center for contemporary art. Call or refer their website for more information.
Located inside the Staromiejski Dom Kultury (Old House of Culture) the facility of Promocyjna Gallery serves as a venue for exhibitions related to visual arts and paintings. A perfect place to find works of various professional contemporary artists, the gallery has, in the past, hosted many works ranging from sculptors, ceramics, fine arts and murals. Inaugurated in 1953, Promocyjna Gallery is a vibrant center for artistic activities in this part of the city. Visit their website for more information and event updates.
Managed by the Muzeum Literatury im. Adama Mickiewicza, this museum chronicles the life and times of Andrzej Strug, Poland's renowned politician and independence activist. Apart from being a social and political activist, Andrzej Strug was also an eminent writer popular among literary circles. The museum is housed in an apartment which was his residence before the war and displays among other things, his body of literature and prose. Apart from this, the museum also conducts a number of literary events commemorating the writer. The museum also remains open between 12p and 5p on the first and third Sunday of the month. Check website for more information.
Le Guern is a trendy gallery that's located right at the heart of the capital. With a focus on fine contemporary art, the gallery showcases magnificent paintings, sculptures, statues, photographs, drawings, digital art, and much more by some of the country's most talented artists. These exceptional artworks are well-curated and displayed in a large spacious gallery that has a serene and calming vibe. A visit to the gallery is a dive into the country's art and culture scene and should not be missed.
St. Barbara's Church is a magnificent church associated with the Roman Catholic Church, and is situated in the very heart of the capital city of Warsaw in Poland. It has existed since 1781, and was the creation of an architect named Edward Cichocki. This beautiful house of prayer suffered from significant damage during the Warsaw Uprising which took place in 1944. However, after the war ended, it was renovated extensively by Stanisław Marzyński. Due to Marzyński's efforts, this Neo-Romanesque parish church has now regained its former splendor and beauty.
This is a small but prestigious gallery that hosts one-man exhibitions, usually lasting about a month. Exhibitions include paintings, graphics, sculptures and performance art. The artists tend to be Polish or foreigners who have been living in Poland for some time such as Pawel Althamer and Kogi Kamogi. It's well worth paying a visit, and keep an eye out for their upcoming exhibitors.