#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
W marcu jak garncu! This Polish proverb tell you that March weather is like a pot, anything can go inside. Although the sun is out, forecasts tell you it will rain soon. So 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
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#MUSEUM
Visit Chopin!
Opened a mere 4 years ago, this tech-savvy museum located in a meticulously restored palace gives an impressive account of the life of Poland’s national composer, Frederic Chopin; from his early days in Żelazowa Wola and Warsaw to his great career in Paris. Multilingual audioguides will help you follow the exhibition without getting lost.
Where: Muzeum Chopina (Chopin Museum)
Map: click to open
When: Tuesday-Sunday 11:00AM to 8:00PM
How much: Free on Sundays (70 tickets are issued for every full hour – 55 can be booked over the phone, while 15 are available on the spot). Otherwise 11 zł (ISIC card) / 13 zł (reduced) / 22 zł (normal).
Details: click here
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#CONCERT
Young talents playing Chopin
This will be a perfect opportunity to hear Chopin’s music played live by young and talented future world stars, recommended by renowned professors. The concert will take place at the Chopin Museum and you don’t need to pay for the ticket! So, if you are into classical music, don’t miss your chance to listen to great music performed by great musicians! This Thursday, apart from Chopin’s waltzes, Aleksandra Kozioł will play music by Haydn and Schumann – click the “details” link below for more information.
Where: Sala Koncertowa im. Fryderyka Chopina (Chopin Concert Hall), Okólnik 1
Map: click to open
When: 6:00PM
How much: free admission
Details: click here