Zdzisław Beksiński returns to Poznań with one of the largest exhibitions ever dedicated to his work. Discover more than 100 original artworks at MTP from 18 July to 18 October 2026.
For the first time in more than three decades, the haunting and extraordinary works of Zdzisław Beksiński are returning to Poznań. Opening on 18 July 2026, Beksiński w Poznaniu (Beksiński in Poznań) promises to be one of the largest exhibitions ever devoted to the celebrated Polish artist, giving visitors a rare opportunity to experience nearly 120 original works brought together under one roof.
Organised by the Museum of Fantastic Art in Warsaw in cooperation with the Historical Museum in Sanok, the exhibition will occupy more than 1,000 square metres at Międzynarodowe Targi Poznańskie (MTP), Hall 1A, transforming the exhibition space into an immersive journey through Beksiński’s extraordinary artistic universe. The exhibition runs until 18 October 2026.
A Major Cultural Event for Poznań
Although Beksiński’s work continues to attract audiences across Poland and internationally, opportunities to see such an extensive collection outside Sanok are exceptionally rare. According to the organisers, this is the first major retrospective exhibition of his work in Poznań since 1990, making it an important moment for the city’s cultural calendar.
Visitors will be able to explore:
- 76 original paintings
- 30 photographs
- 13 original drawings
Together, these works provide a broad overview of Beksiński’s artistic development, from his early photography and drawings to the monumental paintings that made him one of Poland’s most recognisable contemporary artists.
Entering Beksiński’s Remarkable World
Beksiński’s work is instantly recognisable. His paintings often depict dreamlike landscapes, mysterious architecture, skeletal figures and surreal forms that appear suspended somewhere between reality and imagination.
Despite being frequently described as dark or unsettling, Beksiński consistently refused to explain the meaning behind his paintings. He deliberately left interpretation to the viewer, believing that each person should experience the works in their own way.
His extraordinary attention to detail rewards careful observation. Every piece contains intricate textures, subtle symbolism and countless elements that reveal themselves only after prolonged viewing.
The exhibition’s spacious layout has been designed to allow visitors to experience these works at an unhurried pace, appreciating both their technical brilliance and emotional depth.
Who Was Zdzisław Beksiński?
Born in Sanok in 1929, Zdzisław Beksiński initially studied architecture before pursuing photography, sculpture, and eventually painting. While he became internationally famous for his distinctive surreal and dystopian imagery, his artistic career evolved through several distinct phases.
His earliest photographs experimented with unusual perspectives and abstract compositions, demonstrating an interest in texture and form that would later become central to his paintings. During the 1960s, he moved increasingly towards painting, developing what many critics describe as his “fantastic period”, characterised by vast dreamlike landscapes populated by decaying structures and mysterious human-like figures.
Although his work is often associated with horror or fantasy, Beksiński rejected such labels. He rarely titled his paintings, preferring not to influence viewers with preconceived meanings. Instead, he encouraged audiences to bring their own emotions and interpretations to each work.
International interest in his paintings has continued to grow long after his death in 2005, with exhibitions attracting visitors from across Europe, North America and Asia. Today, many of his most significant works are housed at the Historical Museum in Sanok, which preserves one of the world’s largest collections of his art.
His influence can also be seen beyond traditional galleries. Elements of his visual style have inspired filmmakers, video game designers, musicians and digital artists, cementing his reputation as one of Poland’s most influential twentieth-century artists.
Why This Exhibition Matters
For many residents, this exhibition represents far more than another stop on Poland’s exhibition circuit.
Hosting one of the country’s largest Beksiński exhibitions reinforces Poznań’s growing reputation as a destination for major cultural events capable of attracting visitors from across Poland and abroad.
The collaboration between the Museum of Fantastic Art in Warsaw and the Historical Museum in Sanok also enables audiences to see works that are not regularly exhibited together, making this a genuinely special opportunity for both dedicated admirers and first-time visitors.
Whether you are fascinated by surrealism, contemporary Polish art or simply curious about one of the nation’s most distinctive artists, this exhibition offers an experience unlike any other currently on display in Poland.
Visitor Information
Exhibition: Beksiński w Poznaniu
Dates: 18 July to 18 October 2026
Venue: Międzynarodowe Targi Poznańskie (MTP), Hall 1A, ul. Głogowska 18, Poznań
Opening hours:
- July to August: 10:00 to 20:00
- September to October: 11:00 to 19:00
- Open seven days a week
Tickets are available online and on site, with concessions, family tickets and free admission for children under six years old available.
A Rare Opportunity
Large-scale Beksiński exhibitions remain uncommon, making this one of the standout cultural events of 2026. Whether you have admired his work for years or are discovering his remarkable imagination for the first time, Beksiński w Poznaniu offers a unique chance to experience one of Poland’s greatest artistic visionaries through an exceptional collection of original paintings, photographs and drawings.
For Poznań, it marks the long-awaited return of a master whose work continues to intrigue, challenge and inspire audiences around the world.
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