The Polish Art Gallery at the National Museum in Poznań is ready to welcome visitors for a special autumn weekend filled with art and music. From the 11th to the 13th of October, the gallery’s refreshed exhibition will captivate guests with a new theme, showcasing a diverse collection of masterpieces spanning 250 years of Polish artistic history. The weekend promises to blend the visual and musical arts, highlighted by a concert from Trio Pontis and a series of guided tours that delve into the gallery’s remarkable treasures.
A Musical Evening to Enhance the Experience
The Trio Pontis concert on Friday, 11th October at 6:00 p.m. is set to be the main cultural highlight. The trio — featuring Natalia Rehling on piano, Weronika Strugała on cello, and Jolanta Sosnowska on violin — will perform a programme exclusively devoted to Polish music from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. This evening of melodies will not only complement the Polish Art Gallery’s exhibit but also offer a bridge between Poland’s musical and visual heritage.
A special highlight will be the premiere of Polonez-Trio, a composition by Elżbieta Wiedner-Zając, inspired by the painting Chopin’s Polonaise by Teofil Kwiatkowski. This artwork, which captures a lively ballroom scene in 19th-century Paris, will be displayed during the concert, accompanied by an introduction from Dr. Maria Gołąb. To make the evening even more unique, one of Chopin’s pieces will be performed on a historical 19th-century piano from the Museum of Musical Instruments, recreating the authentic sound of the era.
A Walk Through the Ages
The Polish Art Gallery, which underwent a renovation and reopened in July this year, now presents its autumn edition with a fresh thematic approach. The updated exhibition invites guests to explore new arrangements and narratives across the gallery, featuring works by celebrated artists such as Jacek Malczewski, Stanisław Wyspiański, and Tadeusz Kantor. Each room reveals a different aspect of Poland’s artistic evolution, from the late 18th century to contemporary creations, making the gallery a truly dynamic space for art enthusiasts.
The exhibition includes iconic works such as Wyspiański’s Motherhood, with its delicate portrayal of family life, and Malczewski’s The Melancholic, reflecting Poland’s historical and cultural struggles. These pieces, along with many others, provide an immersive experience that showcases the depth and diversity of Polish art.
The Reimagined Polish Art Gallery
The new thematic arrangement of the Polish Art Gallery invites visitors to rediscover the collection through a fresh lens. Each display has been carefully curated to reveal the connections between artworks, their historical contexts, and modern interpretations. The gallery provides a rich tapestry of Poland’s cultural narrative, showcasing everything from the grandeur of Marcello Bacciarelli’s royal portraits to the avant-garde explorations of Maria Jarema.
Whether you’re a long-time art lover or a first-time visitor, the Polish Art Gallery’s autumn exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of Polish creativity. The guided tours throughout the weekend provide expert insights that bring these artworks to life, making the gallery more than just a display—it becomes a dialogue between the past and present.
Full Weekend Schedule for the Upcoming Weekend
Here’s a detailed breakdown of events at the Polish Art Gallery and the National Museum in Poznań throughout the weekend:
Friday, 11th October
- 11:00 a.m. – Face to Face with Art: A guided tour designed for seniors, exploring select works in the Polish Art Gallery and their artistic techniques. Led by Agata Migdalska.
Tickets: Included with regular museum admission (20 zł standard, 13 zł concession).
- 6:00 p.m. – Let the Polonaise Begin: Trio Pontis concert featuring the premiere of Polonez-Trio.
Tickets: 60 zł (standard), 40 zł (concession). Concert tickets also grant free access to the gallery on 12th or 13th October.
Saturday, 12th October
- 11:00 a.m. – No Roots, No Wings: Legends of Our Ancestors: A family-friendly programme for children aged 6-12, focusing on Polish folklore.
Tickets: 20 zł per child (accompanying adult free).
- 12:00 p.m. – Curator’s Tour of Contemporary Art: A tour conducted in English, led by Zuzanna Wagner.
Tickets: Included with museum admission.
- 2:00 p.m. – Exploring Polish Art from the 18th Century to 1945: A deep dive into historic pieces with Dr. Agnieszka Skalska.
Tickets: Included with museum admission.
- 4:00 p.m. – Highlights of Polish Art: A curated look at key works within the Polish Art Gallery, presented by Kinga Sibilska.
Tickets: Included with museum admission.
Sunday, 13th October
- 12:00 p.m. – Exploring Contemporary Art: Dr. Anna Borowiec leads a guided tour of modern pieces.
Tickets: Included with museum admission.
- 2:00 p.m. – Polish Art from the 18th Century to 1945: Another opportunity to explore historical works with Dr. Arkadiusz Krawczyk.
Tickets: Included with museum admission.
- 4:00 p.m. – The Best of Polish Art: A tour led by Zuzanna Sokołowska, focusing on the Polish Art Gallery’s standout pieces.
Tickets: Included with museum admission.
An Invitation to Truly Experience the Polish Art Gallery
As the golden tones of autumn unfold, the Polish Art Gallery at the National Museum is the perfect destination to delve into Poland’s cultural treasures. The concert by Trio Pontis, combined with the gallery’s refreshed thematic display, offers a comprehensive and immersive weekend experience. Visitors are invited to explore both the sounds and sights of Poland’s artistic legacy, from historic compositions on period instruments to masterpieces that depict the nation’s enduring spirit.
Join us at the National Museum in Poznań from 11th to 13th October for an unforgettable celebration of art and music. This special weekend at the Polish Art Gallery is not just about observing — it’s about connecting with the essence of Polish heritage.
