Warsaw once again pays tribute to one of Poland’s greatest painters – Józef Chełmoński. The National Museum in Warsaw has prepared a unique exhibition dedicated to the work of this master of realism, whose artistic visions of the Polish countryside, wild nature, and everyday life of the 19th century have captivated viewers for over a hundred years.
This is a rare opportunity to see not only the artist’s most famous paintings but also lesser-known works that offer deeper insight into his technique and passion for nature.
Watch the exhibition video:
Step into the world of Józef Chełmoński’s art – see a glimpse of the exhibition at the National Museum in Warsaw.
Lifelike Realism – What Can We See at the Exhibition?
Józef Chełmoński was a master of realist painting, known for his incredible attention to detail and his ability to capture movement and emotion. The exhibition will feature, among others:
✅ “Indian Summer” – one of the artist’s most famous paintings, depicting a girl in a field surrounded by delicate strands of spider silk floating in the air.
✅ “The Four-in-Hand” – a dynamic scene of a galloping horse-drawn carriage, showcasing Chełmoński’s mastery of light and motion.
✅ “Fair in the Borderlands” – a richly detailed scene of folk life, capturing the atmosphere of a 19th-century village.
✅ Animal and landscape studies – sketches and smaller works revealing Chełmoński’s brilliance as a keen observer of nature.
Alongside his most iconic canvases, the exhibition will also present lesser-known but equally captivating works that offer deeper insight into the evolution of the artist’s style.
Chełmoński – The Painter of the Soul of the Polish Countryside
Józef Chełmoński’s work is more than just realistic depictions of landscapes and scenes from folk life. His paintings are also rich in emotion and symbolism, expressing a longing for simplicity, the closeness of humans to nature, and the unique atmosphere of the old Polish countryside.
His art reveals a deep love for his homeland and a sense of melancholy evoked by the fading of rural traditions. Chełmoński had the rare ability to capture fleeting moments – dawn over wetlands, the chill of winter, or the silence drifting over the fields.
It is this gift for painting the “soul” of the landscape that continues to draw in and move new generations of viewers. A visit to the exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to experience it firsthand.
The Chełmoński exhibition is just one of many reasons to visit the National Museum in Warsaw. This remarkable institution houses priceless collections – from ancient art, through medieval altars, to modern Polish design. Thanks to its diversity, it is considered one of the best museums in Warsaw and a place worth returning to many times.
When planning a visit to the museum, you should also see the Faras Gallery. It is the only collection in Europe of Nubian Christian art, saved during UNESCO’s rescue campaign. The wall paintings and inscriptions from the former cathedral in Faras make this Warsaw exhibition a true gem among the world’s museums.
Why Is It Worth Visiting the Exhibition?
🔹 A Unique Collection – many of the displayed paintings are usually housed in various museums and private collections.
🔹 A Deeper Look into Chełmoński’s Work – the exhibition features not only finished masterpieces but also the artist’s sketches and notes.
🔹 Modern Presentation – the curators have ensured the exhibition is not only rich in content but also visually engaging.
It’s a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a world full of rural life, wild nature, and realism that continues to move and inspire.
Two Faces of Warsaw: Politics and Stunning Art Within Walking Distance
If, after visiting the National Museum, you’re in the mood to explore more of Warsaw’s unique places, it’s worth stopping by the nearby building of the Polish Parliament (Sejm RP). This is one of the most important sites in Poland’s political life – and interestingly, it’s open to visitors!
During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of Polish parliamentarism, see the famous Plenary Hall, and explore other key areas of the Sejm.
You can read more about this attraction here: Visiting the Polish Parliament on Wiejska Street.
If you’re fascinated by painting and looking to discover something entirely different, head across the Vistula River to the Museum of Fantastic Art. It’s a place where realism blends with magic, and the artworks transport visitors to worlds filled with extraordinary visions.
The exhibitions feature works inspired by fantasy, surrealism, and dark fairy tales. It’s a perfect destination for those who, after exploring Chełmoński’s classic masterpieces, want to dive into art that sparks the imagination.
Check out our report from one of the exhibitions: Magic and Darkness of Imagination – A Visit to the Museum of Fantastic Art.