Józef Chełmoński, one of Poland’s most celebrated painters, is making a triumphant return to the spotlight with a spectacular exhibition at the National Museum in Poznań. After drawing record-breaking crowds in Warsaw, this monographic showcase of his realist masterpieces will open in Poznań on 6 March 2025 and run until 29 June 2025. Featuring 120 paintings, including rare works never before exhibited, this is a unique opportunity to experience the full power of Chełmoński’s artistic vision.
A Grand Artistic Event in Poznań
Art lovers in Poznań have something extraordinary to look forward to. The much-anticipated monographic exhibition of Józef Chełmoński (1849–1914) is making its way to the National Museum in Poznań, with ticket sales starting on 11 February 2025. After drawing record-breaking crowds in Warsaw, where over 170,000 visitors viewed the exhibition, this remarkable showcase of Polish realism will open in Poznań on 6 March 2025 and run until 29 June 2025.
Displaying 120 paintings, including exclusive works not shown in Warsaw — such as Carnival in Poland — the exhibition is set to be one of the most significant cultural events of the year. With tickets priced at 30 PLN (regular) and 20 PLN (discounted), it’s expected to attract thousands of visitors, including international art enthusiasts.
The Artistic Legacy of Józef Chełmoński
Józef Chełmoński is one of Poland’s most celebrated painters, known for his ability to capture the essence of rural life with breathtaking realism. His works, including “Indian Summer” (Babie lato), “Storks” (Bociany), “The Four-in-Hand” (Czwórka), “Ploughing” (Orka), and “Weather” (Pogoda), have shaped Poland’s artistic identity for over a century.
What makes Chełmoński’s art so unique? It’s the sheer emotional depth and technical brilliance with which he painted Polish landscapes, rural traditions, and the struggles of peasant life. His canvases feel alive, filled with movement, energy, and the changing moods of nature. The artist had an incredible ability to transform everyday scenes into poetic masterpieces, making viewers feel the wind rushing through a horse-drawn carriage or the stillness of a golden autumn field.
His realism wasn’t just about meticulous detail — it was about storytelling. Every brushstroke reveals something about the harsh yet beautiful reality of 19th-century rural Poland, making his works timeless and universally admired.
A Collaborative Project of Poland’s Top Museums
The Józef Chełmoński exhibition is part of a large-scale project initiated in 2022 by Poland’s three major national museums: Warsaw, Kraków, and Poznań. With financial backing from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the project brought together curators, conservators, chemists, and art historians to thoroughly examine Chełmoński’s artistic legacy.
Through extensive research, specialists:
- Discovered previously unknown paintings by Chełmoński,
- Clarified unresolved details about his biography and creative process,
- Restored and preserved dozens of his artworks,
- Analysed his painting techniques and colour palette.
This deep-dive into the artist’s methods has led to a revival of appreciation for his work, proving that his genius still speaks to modern audiences.
Our collection of Chełmoński’s works may not be large, but it is highly significant, and its value has only increased after our recent acquisition of ‘Summer Evening.
Stated Dr Maria Gołąb, curator of the Poznań exhibition.
What Makes the Poznań Exhibition Special?
Every museum participating in the “Chełmoński” project has presented a unique selection of his works, and Poznań’s edition will be no exception. While Warsaw exhibited the largest retrospective to date, the Poznań exhibition will include paintings never shown in the capital, offering visitors an exclusive experience.
Among the highlights are:
- “Carnival in Poland” – A historical masterpiece with a fascinating provenance, once owned by the aristocratic Raczyński family.
- Chełmoński’s “American Connection” – The exhibition will feature a painting from San Francisco, a gift from the artist to the famous Polish actress Helena Modrzejewska.
- Rare Works from International Collections – Pieces from Hungary, the USA, and Switzerland’s Rapperswil Museum will make a rare appearance in Poland.
This carefully curated selection means that even those who attended the Warsaw exhibition will find new treasures in Poznań.
We would be failing if this exhibition were not record-breaking in terms of attendance. Based on what we have seen in Warsaw, we are preparing for enormous interest.
Stated Tomasz Łęcki, Director of the National Museum in Poznań, expressing his high expectations for the exhibition’s success.
So why is Chełmoński’s art resonating so deeply today?
The answer lies in the universal themes of his work. In an age of fast-paced modernisation, there’s a growing nostalgia for simpler times, for a deeper connection with nature and tradition. The success of books like “Chłopki: Opowieść o naszych babkach” (Peasant Women: The Story of Our Grandmothers) by Joanna Kuciel-Frydryszak, which sheds light on the lives of rural women in Poland, suggests a cultural shift — people are seeking stories about their roots, their history, and their identity.
Chełmoński’s paintings provide precisely that: a window into a past that still shapes Poland’s present. Whether it’s the muddy roads of a countryside village, the majestic gallop of wild horses, or the intense gaze of a peasant woman, his paintings remind us of where we come from.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to See Chełmoński in Poznań
With the Warsaw exhibition already sold out, the Poznań edition will be the next big opportunity to experience the genius of Józef Chełmoński. Whether you’re an art connoisseur or someone discovering Polish realism for the first time, this exhibition promises to be an unforgettable journey through the world of one of Poland’s greatest painters.
- Exhibition Dates: 6 March – 29 June 2025
- Tickets: 30 PLN (regular) / 20 PLN (discounted)
- Location: National Museum in Poznań
Secure your tickets early and witness the timeless magic of Józef Chełmoński!
