Editor's Note: These are courtesy translations of local news provided by the U.S. Army Garrison Poland Public Affairs team for the benefit the military community stationed here. Views or opinions are not endorsed by USAG Poland or the U.S. Army.
Spend the weekend in Toruń
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
2:00 p.m., Curatorial guided tour of the permanent exhibition of the “Gallery of Polish Painting and Sculpture from the end of the 18th to the beginning of the 21st century”, District Museum, Old Town Hall
Participants will learn about the history of Polish art, its individual trends and eras; they will be able to expand their knowledge of such outstanding artists as: Jan Matejko, Józef Chełmoński, Jacek Malczewski, Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz, Julian Fałat, Andrzej Wróblewski, Tadeusz Kantor and Zdzisław Beksiński, whose works are in the collection of the District Museum in Toruń. Guided tour included in the price of the admission ticket.
2:00 p.m., Chinese New Year, Jagiellonian University, Jęczmienna St. 23
A great opportunity to learn about Chinese culture and celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Wooden Snake, which symbolizes wisdom, creativity and courage in taking on challenges. The program includes: artistic workshops for the youngest, traditional Chinese dances and music, tasting delicacies, stories about the culture and traditions of China. We invite preschoolers, school-age children and their parents to discover Chinese culture together in an atmosphere of joy and fun.
3:00 p.m., Enzo Berti. Murano – rediscovery – guided tour of the exhibition, Centre of Contemporary Art Znaki Czasu, ul. Wały gen. Sikorskiego 13
Guided tour from the series: Guide on guard. Led by Patrycja Wójcik. Guided tour included in the price of the exhibition ticket. Duration: 1 hour.
5:00 p.m., Get Organized! - New Year's creative workshops, Dwór Artusa Cultural Center - Dom Muz Podgórz Branch, ul. Poznańska 52
We will combine the art of planning with a practical approach to time management. Participants will have the opportunity to create unique organizers tailored to their needs. The program also includes relaxation exercises and games that will help you break away from your daily duties and stop for a moment in the fast-paced world. The workshops are also a great opportunity to exchange ideas and inspirations with other participants. Group: intergenerational. Leading: Joanna Łagan. Free admission.
5:00 p.m., Orchestra concert, Music School Complex, ul. Szosa Chełmińska 224/226
A string orchestra and a brass band will perform under the direction of Piotr Dołęgowski. Free admission.
5:30 p.m., Concert among a thousand candles, Artus Court Cultural Center, Old Town Square 6
An extraordinary evening with classical music: "The Four Seasons" by Antonio Vivaldi in a unique atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the magical sounds of one of the most famous works of classical music, performed entirely instrumentally by the Amok Quartet. The extraordinary atmosphere and beauty of music will create an unforgettable experience that will transport you to the world of harmony and candlelight. Tickets available online .
7:30 p.m., New Year's Concert by Candlelight, Artus Court Cultural Centre, Old Town Square 6
An extraordinary evening full of instrumental arrangements of the most iconic film soundtracks, all in the glow of hundreds of candles. Artists: String Quartet: violin I, violin II, viola, cello. Tickets available online .
9:00 p.m., Michał Maciudziński – special guest, 737 Flight Club, ul. Bema 73/89
A new series of events that will begin with live music performed by Sylwia Wiśniewska and a special guest. After the live sounds, of course, as every week, we will continue the fun with our playlist of all-time hits. First up, we have invited an exceptional musician – with a beautiful velvety voice, who will additionally enchant you with his piano playing – and we are talking about Michał Maciudziński. A musician, vocalist, and teacher born in Toruń. A graduate of the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz and the Faculty of Pedagogical Sciences at the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. He composes and arranges for his own needs and others. Free admission.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18
12:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m., Indoor Inflatable Rally, Tennis Center, ul. Przy Skarpie 4
The largest Inflatable Rally in Poland – obstacle courses, slide, soft hill, inflatable dodgeball, playgrounds and many other inflatable attractions. Ticketed admission.
12:00 p.m., Weekend guided tour of the Enzo Berti exhibition. Murano – rediscovery, Centre for Contemporary Art Znaki Czasu, ul. Wały gen. Sikorskiego 13
Led by: Patrycja Wójcik. Guided tour included in the price of the exhibition ticket. Place limit – 30 people. Duration: 1 hour.
12:00 p.m., Guided tour of the Touch of Art exhibition, Wozownia Art Gallery, Rabiańska Street 20, entrance from Ducha Św. Street 6.
We will explore the exhibition not only through sight, but also through touch, which will allow us to see art from a slightly different perspective than usual. The event is suitable for people with special needs and visual disabilities. Free admission.
12:00 p.m., 1:15 p.m., Tour of the Nicolaus Copernicus House, ul. Kopernika 15
Discover this unique building in the company of an experienced guide who will passionately tell you about the fascinating story of the life and work of Nicolaus Copernicus. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge of one of the greatest scientists in history, as well as about Toruń's tenement houses. Ticket price with guided tour: standard PLN 41, concession PLN 36.
12:00 p.m., Guided tour of the Old Town Hall, Rynek Staromiejski 1
Learn the history of one of the most important monuments in Toruń during a guided walk. Learn how the Old Town Hall has served administrative, commercial and ceremonial functions for centuries. Hear stories about the city's former inhabitants and interesting facts about its architecture.
1:30 p.m., Painted. Painting workshop, Centre for Contemporary Art Znaki Czasu, ul. Wały gen. Sikorskiego 13
Led by: Monika Myszkowska. Tickets: PLN 30, available at the CSW reception and online . Place limit – 20 people. Duration: 2 hrs. Age: 18+.
2:00 p.m., Get to know the theatre – tours for individual viewers, Wilam Horzyca Theatre, Pl. Teatralny1
During the tour, we will present the history of the Toruń theatre using funny anecdotes and reveal theatre curiosities. We will also go on stage, backstage and show you places that are not normally available to viewers. The tour is intended for adults and youth aged 13 and over. Duration: approx. 70 min. Tickets: PLN 20 at the Customer Service Office and at the ticket office.
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Start of the Winter Holidays, Tor-Tor Ice Rink, ul. Bema 23/29
A sporting start to the winter holidays for both young and old. There will be no shortage of Toruń hockey players, the Toruń Curling Club has also announced its participation, and "Biały Miś" will have plenty of prizes to give away in skating competitions. There will also be plenty of safety topics during the winter holidays. We will learn, among other things, the basics of first aid. The finale will be a real carnival disco. During the entire event, there will be plenty of fun, competitions and animations. We will give away a whole lot of gifts, including surprises from Radio GRA and the City of Toruń. Admission to the event for children and young people is free.
5:00 p.m., Hits galore, Artus Court Cultural Center, Old Town Square 6
On the occasion of Grandparents' Day, Mirosław Szołtysek and the MarsaAlam band will perform a concert. Tickets available at the CKK Jordanki box office and online .
5:00 p.m., Toruń Percussion School – concert, Youth Culture Center, Przedzamcze St. 11/15
Participants of classes at the Toruń Percussion School will present their skills. The concert will be a showcase of the bands and a summary of half a year of work. Free admission.
6:00 p.m., Dream World - exhibition of works by Jacek Yerka - opening, Dworzec Zachodni Gallery, Academic Center of Culture and Art "Od Nowa", ul. Gagarina 37a
Exhibition of Jacek Yerka, associated with Toruń and UMK. This valued and recognized surrealist around the world, presents his paintings extremely rarely, which is why it is a unique opportunity to see his works live. Free admission, tickets required.
6:00 p.m., Creative Ferment: Shackleton – concert, Voivodeship Cultural Animation Centre Młyn Kultury, ul. Kościuszki 75-77
The music of the band Shackleton is located somewhere between progressive rock and hard rock. The combination of different musical fascinations of the band members makes each of their concerts an invigorating and inspiring event. The band consists of Roman Specht, Jarek Hetman, Jakub Maciejewski, Kuba Wawrzak and Artur Byliński. The hypnotic music will be complemented by equally hypnotic multimedia projections prepared and implemented live by Tomasz Lingo. Tickets: PLN 10.
7:00 p.m., Concert: With Hope in the Background – Jerzy Osiński, Torunianka Cafe, ul. Franciszkańska 16
An event that combines the beauty of music, the depth of lyrics and a message full of hope and optimism. The program will include both original compositions and well-known pieces (including Marek Grechuta, Bułat Okudzhava, Jacek Kaczmarski), which in a new interpretation will take on a different dimension, and each piece will be full of emotions and deep messages. Tickets: PLN 35.
7:30 p.m., "Being Thelma and Louise" – performance, Wilam Horzyca Theatre, Pl. Teatralny 1, Scena na Zapleczu
Performance inspired by the cult film by Ridley Scott. Mature, brave and rebellious Louise (Jolanta Teska) and Thelma (Mirosława Sobik), who is just learning to express her opinion, once again set off on an adventurous journey. A journey after which, as in a good road movie, nothing will be the same. The daring expedition in search of freedom is accompanied by hits by Nick Cave, Dire Straits and Nirvana in new arrangements. Tickets sold out.
8:00 p.m., Świetliki – concert, Kombinat Kultury, ul. Podmurna 1/3
The band continues its longest farewell tour in Poland. This part is enriched with material from the new maxi single "Demens avis in excelsis", which may be a preview of the band's new album. Guest of the band: Anastazja from Mariupol, singer and one of the "50 bold women" according to Wysokie Obcasy. Tickets available online .
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19
11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Indoor Inflatable Rally, Tennis Center, ul. Przy Skarpie 4
The largest Inflatable Rally in Poland – obstacle courses, slide, soft hill, inflatable dodgeball, playgrounds and many other inflatable attractions. Ticketed admission.
5:00 p.m., Czerwone Gitary - Diamentowe 60-lecie, Aula UMK, ul. Gagarina 11
A legend of Polish pop music. Their great hits are known and sung by all generations of Poles. Their concerts still attract crowds of fans. Tickets: PLN 115-130 available online .
5:00 p.m., Swingowe niedziele, Torunianka Cafe, ul. Franciszkańska 16
Lindy Hop style dance party. Beginner-friendly tempo. Free admission.
6:00 p.m., Magic Tenors – New Year's Carnival of Vienna, Artus Court Cultural Center, Old Town Square 6
An event that takes the audience on a fascinating journey into the world of Viennese carnival music and tradition. This unique show features not only talented tenors, but also outstanding soloists and a ballet ensemble, who together create an unforgettable artistic experience. The audience will have the opportunity to hear the most beautiful operetta arias, classical pieces and popular melodies that have been enchanting music lovers around the world for years. Tickets available online .
New electronic ticket validators in Torun
The installation of new ticket validators in Toruń public transport vehicles has been completed. They are used to purchase electronic tickets and will eventually also be used to operate the city card system.
The installation of 265 new electronic ticket validators began in December last year. They were installed in all buses and trams. They can be used to buy all types of electronic tickets, i.e. those assigned to a payment card or its medium, e.g. a phone, a watch, worth less than one hundred zlotys.
The new validators DO NOT PRINT PAPER TICKETS, and in the event of an inspection, the electronic ticket assigned to the payment card or its medium is read.
The devices display information in Polish, English, German and Ukrainian, with Spanish eventually being added.
The new validators will be designed to support the city card system, the implementation of which is planned for March 2025. Their early launch not only gives the possibility of purchasing a ticket using another distribution channel but is also an element of testing the devices and checking whether they function well.
The existing devices, such as ticket machines and paper ticket validators, are still functioning.
Poster artists in the Leaning Tower in Torun
At the beginning of the new year, two poster artists moved into the Leaning Tower. Until February 24, 2025, you can see an exhibition of works by legends of Polish poster art – Jan Młodożeniec and Franciszek Starowieyski.
The exhibition consists of 34 posters from the years 1970-1980. The works were created by two of the greatest graphic artists in Poland in the times of the Polish People's Republic - Jan Młodożeniec and Franciszek Starowieyski. These names have permanently inscribed themselves in the history of Polish design art, and their projects are full of humor, grotesque and allusion.
Jan Mlodozeniec
He was one of the most outstanding artists of the Polish Poster School. He is the author of over 400 posters, as well as numerous drawings, illustrations and book covers. His most famous works include film posters for "The Godfather" and "The Great Gatsby", as well as posters for theatre performances based on the works of Chekhov, Fredro and Wyspiański. His legacy remains an important part of the history of applied graphics to this day.
Franciszek Starowieyski
He was a versatile artist, involved in painting, posters, applied graphics and scenography, and gained popularity in the 1960s thanks to a series of theatre and film posters. He was a graduate of the Academies of Fine Arts in Kraków and Warsaw. His art was characterized by a fascination with the Rubenesque female body, and at the same time, reflection on transience and death.
Ticketed event
The exhibition is open to visitors from 4 January to 24 February during the opening hours of the Leaning Tower, daily from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. An admission ticket to the Leaning Tower entitles you to see the exhibition.
Entrance tickets to the Leaning Tower cost PLN 20 (standard ticket) and PLN 10 (children's ticket for children and youth up to 18 years of age) and can be purchased at the Leaning Tower ticket office in Toruń.
A unique exhibition of Jakub Kamiński's posters in Boleslawiec
The Bolesławiec Cultural Centre – International Ceramics Centre invites you to a unique exhibition of posters by Jakub Kamiński entitled “Long May I Live”. The opening will take place on January 31, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the “W sam raz” Gallery, 1c Piłsudskiego Square. The exhibition will be open until February 28 during the opening hours of the FORUM Cinema.
The artist, known for his unique style combining traditional elements with modern design, is famous not only as a designer of posters, illustrations and covers, but also as the author of the mural "The Mandalorian" in Wrocław. The mural includes elements of Bolesławiec pottery, emphasizing local culture in an international context.
Jakub Kamiński is a designer of posters, press illustrations and book covers. He is a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław, a member of the Association of Applied Graphic Designers (STGU) and a multi-award-winning designer. His works have gained recognition in Poland and abroad, appearing in Tokyo, Budapest, Chicago and at numerous Polish exhibitions, such as Satyrykon in Legnica. In 2023, he was awarded the Museum of Caricature Award at this prestigious exhibition.
Kamiński has collaborated with respected brands and institutions such as Dr. Martens, Levi's, Disney and Kwiat Jabłoni, creating works full of humor, reflection and artistic depth.
We cordially invite all art lovers to meet the extraordinary talent of Jakub Kamiński and his works, which delight with both technique and originality.
Bolesławiec Ceramics will recreate and give a Los Angeles resident her ceramic souvenir
The president of the "Bolesławiec" Ceramic Works with one of the vessels from the set for Rita Ciołek, a victim of the fire in Los Angeles.
Over the weekend, TVN showed the story of a Polish woman from Los Angeles who lost her belongings in a fire. She was shown a ceramic cup that survived.
“I recognized our product, popular and still in production. These are designs by Mrs. Janina Bana-Kozłowska in the Danuta Amborska DU 126 decoration,” said Arkadiusz Grzesikowski , president of Zakłady Ceramiczne Bolesławiec. “I contacted Marcin Wrona, an American correspondent for TVN reporting on the fires in Los Angeles, and he put me in touch with Mrs. Rita. It turned out that the ceramic set she had at home was given to her over twenty years ago by her late mother and that it was a very important memento of her home. We decided to create a set for her in the same decoration and that is what we are working on.”
Some elements of the set in the DU 126 decoration are currently being recreated in the Plant. The value of the entire set will be over PLN 2,000.
“I am glad that we create such durable products that are able to survive such great tragedies. Also, that we have such loyal customers all over the world,” says the president. “Mrs. Rita is very grateful that we reacted so quickly. She says that this gift gives her hope, as a part of her home, that she will be able to rebuild everything.
NATO tanks will resume passing through this Lubuskie bridge
This is an important route connecting the Lubuskie and Lower Silesian provinces. Heavy military transports can move across the bridges in Trzebów and Rudawica, because they can withstand a load of up to 150 tons! And soon another investment of civil-military importance will start, the long-awaited Żagań bypass, running from Karliki to Żarska Street.
This is the largest and most important investment in our district - emphasizes the head of the district, Anna Michalczuk. - It includes the road from Żagań to the border with the Bolesławiec district and is a link to the A 18 motorway. Thanks to its reconstruction, the safety of residents will improve.
The construction took a long time, and we are glad that it is finished - says Renata Sikora, the village head of Trzebowo. - It was worth waiting, because we gained sidewalks, lighting, bus bays.
The reconstruction of the bridges was a challenge for us also because the route runs through a Natura 2000 protected area - explains Łukasz Ryng from the contractor's company Nowak-Mosty. - The structure of the bridge in Trzebów is very modern, because its load-bearing capacity must withstand military transports of up to 150 tons.
This is a very important investment for us - said Major Paweł Rawski, Commander of the Military Transport Command in Wrocław. - The route provides communication between military units and one transported train can weigh up to 90 tons.
A route worth million
There were two contractors: Sudeckie Przedsiębiorstwo Robót Drogowych (Sudeckie Road Works Company) built the route from Żagań to Trzebów. Nowak-Mosty took care of the crossings and part of the road.
The reconstruction included the road from the roundabout near the hospital in Żagań to the border with the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. The most important investment of the district was the renovation of four bridges on the route from Żagań to Świętoszów. It is of strategic importance to the country, because the road and crossings are used by NATO troops. For this reason, practically the entire undertaking, approximately PLN 80 million, was covered from the state budget, while the district government contributed approximately PLN 200,000.
The bridges have been operational since 2024
In September 2024, the bridges at Żelazna Street in Żagań were put into service, and on December 20, 2024, two bridges in Rudawica and Trzebów.
The most innovative was the bridge structure in Trzebów. The solution is very innovative, with low material consumption, the so-called hybrid structure, i.e. a new version of reinforced concrete. The steel in this bridge works in tension, while the concrete transfers compression. We obtain very encouraging effects in terms of material consumption and construction speed. The main span of the bridge is over 50 meters. This has so far been reserved for steel or prestressed structures. Here we have a reinforced concrete structure, which allows covering such a span. The idea of such bridges is colloquially called "crocodile". It was tested in the laboratory and was implemented for the first time in Trzebów.
The Żagań bypass will be launched soon
Mayor Sławomir Kowal was pleased with the completion of the work, noting that the city had finally gained a convenient connection with Świętoszów.
The official opening of the bridge (on Monday, January 13, 2025), Major Paweł Rawski revealed that work on the construction of the Żagań bypass, along Obwodowa Street, which is also of civil and military importance, will soon begin. The new route will run from Karlików to Żarska Street, connecting the barracks at Żarska with the route to Świętoszów. Mayor Sławomir Kowal sought the second part of the city bypass a dozen or so years ago. - It is important that the project will finally be implemented - the mayor emphasized. - Although it will not proceed as in the three concepts we have developed.
For now, the army is not revealing when the work will begin, but Major Rawski notes that all arrangements are already at a very advanced stage.
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