#EXHIBITION
The Spell of Warsaw
The exhibition takes its title from the name of a perfumery shop which functioned at the corner of Krucza and Żurawia Streets in Warsaw from the 1960s. It bore a stylish neon sign with the inscription and an image of bottle of perfume. In the 1980s, the sign was removed, and in the 1990s it was replaced by a ‘billboard girl’ typical for the era’s advertising. Today the windows of the now-defunct shop are covered with layers of street posters. The spell of Warsaw is gone. Paulina Ołowska studies the processes of urban transformation and social relationships in an era of growing consumerism. Her works often feature the female figure, narrating about the woman in liberal capitalism and as an object of consumption and advertising. The exhibition features works dating back to 2004. The artist focuses on works relating to her earlier projects and realisations, broadly inspired by Warsaw – her history and transformation. Warsaw, according to Ołowska, is a woman. “The Spell of Warsaw” speaks of dreams, of perfect life, referring with a sense of distance to changes and new situations. [text from zacheta.art.pl/en]
Where: Zachęta National Art Gallery
Map: click to open
When: 12-8PM Tuesday-Sunday
How much: 15 PLN normal/10 PLN reduced, free on Thursdays
Details: click here
#DRINK
World’s best hot drink… at least according to Varsovians
March is still cold here! And to make it worse, the sun has turned shy and likes to hide behind the clouds. You deserve a treat, especially if you’re after a day of sight-seeing! Ask any local and you’ll learn that the best chocolate is made by the Wedel company here in Warsaw, Poland. The company was founded back in the first half of 19th century and is famous for many other products including Ptasie Mleczko chocolate-covered marshmallows, mieszanka wedlowska candy mix and Delicje szampańskie cookies (you can stock up on them in the flagship store at ul.Szpitalna 8, right next to the cafe)
To have a real hot chocolate drink (and not just cocoa or liquidy pudding), head for the imperial-style cafe in the chocolate factory’s former location located smack in the city center. 12 PLN gets you a cup of chocolatey bliss. Have a window seat to people-watch. Smacznego/bon appetit!
Where: Pijalnia Czekolady E.Wedel (E.Wedel chocolate drinkery)
Map: click to open
When: 8am-10pm on weekdays, 10am-10 pm on Saturdays
How much: 12PLN and up
Details: click here for a note from a Wedel admirer
#FOOD
Truly Varsovian food and… music
The Butcher’s is Varsovians’ pet name for Pasja Smaku, a wonderful little bistro offering undisputedly best meat in Warsaw. The owner, a butcher in the 3rd generation and head the Butcher’s Guild of Warsaw, is doing his best to appease the hip tastes of young Varsovians – his bistro looks like a modern café and is open until 3AM on weekends and on Friday and Saturday nights, patrons get to enjoy live music played by Warsaw’s most famous folk street orchestra, Kapela z Chmielnej – for free, too! Have yourself some Kiełbasa or tatar (steak tartare) and be sure to try a soup (zupa). Definitely worth the trip – take bus 190 from the Castle Square (pl.Zamkowy), get off at PŁOCKA-SZPITAL and take a stroll through the communist neighborhood to find yourself in front of the restaurant. Your stomach (and ears) will thank you!
Where: Pasja Smaku (Passion of Flavor)
Map: click to open
When: open daily from 10 am, until 3am on weekends, live music from 8PM on Fridays and Saturdays
How much: free admission, less than 20 zł for main course
Details: click here
And don’t forget to come to our free, guided walking tour of Warsaw! Everyday! Click “Orange Umbrella Free Tour Warsaw” on the left for more details.
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