Best Exhibitions Summer 2025

Summer 2025 in Polish museums will unveil history through the lens of women’s art, folklore, and cross-border cultural dialogues. In this article, discover the best exhibitions to see in Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Katowice, and Lublin.

Warsaw Kraków Gdańsk Lublin Katowice

Warsaw

At the National Museum in Warsaw, until October 26, 2025, explore the exhibition showcasing the artistry of Polish women trained in Antoine Bourdelle’s studio. Featuring works in graphics, sculpture, and painting, it offers a rare glimpse into early 20th‑century academic aesthetics adapted by women. More information.

For the first time in the capital, the UCK “Alternatywy” is hosting an exhibition of Marta Klonowska’s sculptures, on view until August 30. Inspired by the paintings of Rubens and Chełmoński, the artist brings animals from the background to the spotlight, giving them new presence and power. Using hundreds of colorful glass shards, Marta creates foxes, birds, and cats that enchant with their fragility — and unsettle with their sharp edges. More details available here.

Kraków

The Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology once again invites guests to explore the world of Japanese yōkai spirits and Slavic mythology through a unique intercultural narrative. The exhibition runs from June 1 to August 31, 2025. Divided into four themed sections — “In Japan”, “The World of Slavic Myths and Beliefs”, “In a Dream”, and “Me, a Demon?” — the show presents over 70 woodblock prints and mixed-media works dating from the 18th to 21st centuries. The pieces come from Feliks Jasieński's collection, as well as Manggha’s own holdings, and include works by contemporary Polish artists. A guided curator’s tour will take place on July 20. Read more.

Additionally, in the Royal Gardens at Wawel Castle, from April 25 to September 28, 2025, you can visit the exhibition "Magdalena Abakanowicz w Ogrodach i Komnatach". It will showcase the famous Abakans — works by the great Polish artist, harmoniously combined with historical textiles from the era of Sigismund Augustus. In this exhibition, contemporary art meets elements of the Polish Renaissance, creating a unique dialogue between the epochs. More about exhibition.

Gdańsk

From June 27 to July 5, 2025, visitors can experience a complete transformation of the Gothic interior of St. John’s Church into a living forest. The immersive installation, LeŚnia, brings together natural greenery, sensory elements, and art objects — all accompanied by a soundscape inspired by the nature and landscapes of the Kashubian region. The scent of the forest, the echo of birds, the play of light, and the spatial freedom make this a true multisensory experience — a moment of pause and connection with nature in the heart of the city. Admission is free throughout the event. More information about event.

Lublin

At the National Museum in Lublin, from April 26 to October 5, 2025, the exhibition "Co babie do pędzla?!" will take place, dedicated to Polish women artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. This is a unique opportunity to explore the works of women who, despite their achievements, often remained in the shadows. The exhibition will feature paintings, graphics, and sculptures, highlighting the significant contribution of women to the development of Polish art. Details here

Katowice

At the Silesian Museum in Katowice, the exhibition “Alternatywa” runs from May 10, 2025, to January 25, 2026. This show offers a modern reimagining of the traditional folk costumes of Upper Silesia, presenting them not as static museum artifacts but as a living source of fashion, sustainability, and cultural identity. Alongside authentic historical garments from the 19th and early 20th centuries, the exhibition showcases contemporary interpretations by Polish designer Beata Bojda, known for her bold, colorful collections inspired by folk art and heritage. Some pieces were created through upcycling and textile deconstruction, while others combine vintage elements with original accessories such as paper flower crowns and embroidered aprons. A series of artistic photos and archival images complements the physical displays, offering both historical insight and modern stylizations. The exhibition speaks to designers, creatives, and anyone inspired by the power of tradition reimagined. More information.