Zachęta – the National Gallery of Art in Warsaw – is a place that has for years not only showcased the most intriguing phenomena of contemporary art, but also provoked reflection by raising questions about the boundaries of creativity, the identity of the artist, and the role of cultural institutions. Currently, it hosts three exceptional exhibitions, each offering a completely different perspective on the world, humanity, and art.
But before we step into the exhibition halls, it’s worth noting that the Zachęta building itself is an architectural gem in the Neo-Renaissance style, located in the very heart of the city – right next to Piłsudski Square. Learn more about the history and role of this place in the post:
👉 Zachęta National Gallery of Art in Warsaw – What You Should Know
Off Script: The Film Form Workshop – An Avant-Garde Ahead of Its Time
The exhibition Off Script: The Film Form Workshop is a fascinating journey back to the 1970s, when a group of students and lecturers from the Łódź Film School created experimental works that went far beyond the traditional boundaries of cinema. Artists such as Józef Robakowski, Ryszard Waśko, and Wojciech Bruszewski searched for new means of expression, exploring the relationships between image, motion, sound, and concept.
The exhibition features not only films, but also multimedia installations, performance documentation, posters, and photographs. It’s a great opportunity to understand how profoundly this group’s work influenced the development of video art and installation in Poland. Rooted in a spirit of institutional and formal freedom, the exhibition also resonates with the mission of the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, which likewise explores the boundaries of visual language.
Andrea Fraser: Art Must Hang – Art as a Tool for Critique
Andrea Fraser is one of the most influential figures in the movement known as “institutional critique.” The exhibition Art Must Hang brings together performances, visual essays, and documentation of Fraser’s works that directly address the complex relationships between the artist, cultural institutions, curators, and the audience.
Highlights include her iconic video in which Fraser speaks as a museum director, while simultaneously exposing the economic and social mechanisms behind the polished façade of the art world. Intriguing visualizations—such as graphs comparing artwork prices with the prison population in the U.S.—as well as ironic posters and neon signs (“And Europe will be stunned”) challenge our perception and provoke critical thinking.
This exhibition resonates strongly with contemporary discussions about economics, power, and ethics—paralleling, for example, the themes explored by the NBP Money Centre, which presents financial systems and the mechanisms of monetary value—analogous to Fraser’s questioning of the value of art.
Pakui Hardware: Thresholds – Art on the Border of Body and Technology
The third of Zachęta’s current exhibitions, Thresholds by the duo Pakui Hardware, offers an experience at the intersection of biology, technology, and abstraction. Their installations—composed of translucent, organic forms—float in the gallery space, creating an almost meditative atmosphere.
The Lithuanian artists explore the relationship between the body and a technologically shaped post-human world, raising questions about the future of our physicality, health, and artificial intelligence. This is not just an exhibition to look at—but one to be immersed in. A must-see for anyone who appreciates unconventional contemporary art.
It’s Worth Exploring More – What’s Around Zachęta?
While visiting these exhibitions, it’s worth setting aside some extra time—because the area around Zachęta is home to many other fascinating places:
🔹 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – located right next to Piłsudski Square, it is one of Poland’s most important national memorials. The daily changing of the guard is a memorable sight.
🔹 Ethnographic Museum – a perfect addition to reflections on cultural diversity and artistic expression.
🔹 NBP Money Centre – an interactive museum where you can explore the history of money, its value, and its role in society.
🔹 Museum of Modern Art – if you want to continue your journey through contemporary art after visiting Zachęta, this is a must-see destination.
Zachęta Inspires – But Also Surprises
The current exhibitions at Zachęta are perfect examples of how diverse, profound, and engaging contemporary art can be. From conceptual explorations of economics and institutions, through experimental film forms, to sensory installations—each offers a unique experience.
We encourage you to visit the gallery and see these exhibitions for yourself. If you’re looking for places that not only showcase art but also provoke thought—Zachęta is the place for you.
It’s also worth mentioning that Zachęta – National Gallery of Art has been included in one of the recommended routes for Night of Museums 2025 in Warsaw. It’s the perfect opportunity to visit the gallery after dark and experience the exhibitions in a slightly different atmosphere—more intimate, yet artistically intense.
If you’re planning to take part in this special event, be sure to check out our guide to curated routes that will help you plan an evening full of culture and discoveries:
👉 Night of Museums 2025 in Warsaw – 5 Routes Worth Exploring