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.
Night of Museums Offers Free Late-Night Access to Toruń’s Cultural Sites
On Saturday, May 17, the next edition of the Night of Museums will take place. For this day (and night), Toruń museums have prepared a special offer for art lovers. Cultural institutions will be open until late at night and most of them will offer their rooms to visitors for free.
KUJAWY-POMERANIAN IMPRESSORY MUSICAL THEATRE
It starts at 8:00pm.
For the first time in history, the Dąmbski Palace will be open to visitors, who will be treated to a wealth of attractions. The Night of Museums will not only be an opportunity to learn about the rich history of the Palace. In addition to films about the palace, you will also be able to see works by professors from the Faculty of Fine Arts, as well as diploma works by graduates from that faculty. A special attraction of the night will be the opportunity to watch a fragment of the play "Sister Parry", the first production of the Theatre. The pre-premiere screening will take place in the Golden Hall of the Palace at 10:30 p.m.
ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM
Opening at 7:00 p.m., admission free.
The Ethnographic Museum in Toruń has prepared a night program this time based on themes taken from fairy tales and fables. From 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. it invites you to the Ethnographic Park. The tour will be accompanied by attractions, so that it will be like in a fairy tale, where despite the complicated and terrible adventures, good always wins. In one of the cottages, you will be able to listen to "Fairy Tales for the Brave". In another place, you will test your memory of childhood fairy tales and watch celluloid fairy tales displayed using a now historic projector. In one of the rooms, there will be a magic mirror waiting, which will finally tell the truth. The mill will be the place where the film "Jan - an original vision of fears and terrors directed by Jakub Wawrzak" will be shown. Guests will also learn about old methods of protection against evil - such as the striga that is waiting for travelers venturing into the darker corners of the open-air museum that evening.
This year is the Year of Oskar Kolberg, so museum workers will be reading aloud fairy tales written by this outstanding folklore researcher. Additionally, it will be interspersed with musical games.
The museum also invites you to visit the permanent exhibition "Secrets of Everyday Life. Folk Culture and Its Borderlands from Kujawy to the Baltic Sea 1850-1950" between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM. We ask parents to bear in mind that the multitude of impressions may overwhelm children's imagination and emotions.
DISTRICT MUSEUM
6:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. The 1st Toruń Museum Night under the slogan: “People of merit for Toruń – outstanding residents, honorary citizens, donors and friends of the city”, free admission.
Old Town Hall (Old Town Square 1)
- Julian Fałat (1853-1929) – lecture at the exhibition “Gallery of Polish Painting from the End of the 18th Century to 1939”, 6:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.
- Gotfryd Ossowski and Jacek Delekta – archaeologists at the Municipal Museum in Toruń, Piwnica Gdańska, 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.
- Honorary Citizens of Toruń - distinguished and controversial - lecture at the exhibition, 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
- Meeting with Henryk Stroband – 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.
- Toruń masters of goldsmithing craftsmanship – lecture at the exhibition "Old Toruń. History and artistic crafts 1233–1793", 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 11:00 p.m.
- Frescoes and graffiti – workshop, Piwnica Gdańska, 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m.
Nicolaus Copernicus House (ul. Kopernika 15/17)
- Nicolaus Copernicus – the most famous citizen of Toruń, 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
- Meeting with Nicolaus Copernicus’ sister – 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.
The Star Tenement House (Old Town Square 35)
- Tadeusz Wierzejski – the man thanks to whom the Kamienica pod Gwiazdą was opened 45 years ago, 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m.
Esken House (16 Łazienna St.)
- Contributions of the Strobands to the development of Toruń – lecture at the exhibition “Toruń and its history”, 7.30 p.m., 8.30 p.m., 9.30 p.m.
- "Księga Toruń" 3D – multimedia shows, 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m. Shows for groups of up to 30 people, advance entry reservation possible (tel. 56 660 56 19). In the case of free seats, it will be possible to enter without a reservation.
Tony Halik Travelers Museum (ul. Franciszkańska 9/11)
- Elżbieta Dzikowska – a life full of passion, adventures and travel – lecture with demonstration, 8:00 p.m.
- Lost Souls – a documentary film by Arkadiusz Podniesiński from a photographic expedition to the countries of Black Africa, 10:00 p.m.
- Meeting with Tony Halik, 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.
In addition:
- "Honorary citizens of Toruń. Meritorious and controversial" – museum competition (Old Town Hall)
- Night panorama of Toruń – entry to the tower of the Old Town Hall (last entry at 11:30 p.m.!)
- MUSEUM PUBLICATIONS FAIR at attractive prices (Old Town Hall).
CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER – EUROPEAN NIGHT OF MUSEUMS
On Friday, May 16, CSW will be open until 9 p.m., with free admission to all exhibitions from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
At 7:00 p.m. – opening of the exhibition as part of the annex to the ARENA exhibition "Marcel Duchamp's silence is overrated", Andrzej Wasilewski " Les Fleurs du mal," curator: Piotr Lisowski
- Andrzej Wasilewski's "Flowers of Evil" is a visual story about modernity. The vision constructed by the artist is based on the juxtaposition of technological form with the aesthetics of the image. The image created in this way is a subtle game, under the cover of which lurks the impersonality of the reality surrounding us, reduced here to constantly updated statistical data relating to the problems of human population, violence, economy, or energy considered on a global scale. Using a specially written computer program, the artist translates this mathematical record into a visual form. As a result, the numbers and data that arouse distrust take on a pulsating form resembling flower calyces. The flower motif will appear twice as much in spatial kinetic installations built of artificial flowers that cast shadows on the wall and in colorful projections with floral compositions arranged in ambiguous representations regarding contemporary events.
- The image created by the artist, beguiling with its aesthetics, colour and rhythm, at the same time reveals the danger inherent in the media message, in which each of us participates every day. Andrzej Wasilewski deliberately follows the trail set by two French thinkers – Charles Baudelaire, from whom he borrows the title of the work, and Jean Baudrillard, who studies the influence of the media on socio-cultural reality. The artist traverses and observes reality in a unique way, to then draw the conclusion that the media have completely taken over and determined the world, equipping us with codes and models that we use, ultimately becoming passive recipients of reality. At the same time, we realise that the titular “Flowers of Evil” is an image created primarily by ourselves.
- Andrzej Wasilewski's project "Les Fleurs du mal" was co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage.
On Saturday, May 17, CSW is open until midnight. From 12:00 to midnight, admission to all exhibitions is free. That day, there is a special promotion at the Art Bookstore - from 18:00 to midnight, a 20% - 50% discount applies.
At 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., LabSen, "A Journey into the Depths of Art" - family body painting workshops accompanying the exhibition "Look at Me (So Beautiful, So Funny)"
- A journey into the depths of art is a new idea for an unconventional visit to our exhibitions. We propose a joint, family walk, a real expedition to the strange world of contemporary art - equipped with special equipment, members of the family expedition can experience a real artistic adventure under the supervision of experienced Guides! Thanks to the Guides' tips, which will help you understand the mysterious meanings of contemporary works of art, penetrate the imagination of artists and get to know their seemingly complicated language, and also inspire you during manual workshops to create something of your own based on the experience gained, a journey through the exhibition can become a fantastic opportunity for joint, creative fun. During the next trip, we will look at the works at the photographic exhibition "Look at me (so beautiful, so funny)" and, inspired by the works at the exhibition, we will create a project together using painting material... your own body!
- Workshops for parents and children from 10 years of age. Please note! Registration is required via email: eduakcje@csw.torun.pl or phone no. 56 610 97 16
6:00 PM, Arena exhibition space (1st floor of CSW) – ARENA: Africa in Moving Images. VAN Lagos: “Negotiating Change Through New Media Art” - meeting with Nigerian artist Jude Anogwith
- As part of the events accompanying the ARENA exhibition, documenting the dangerous relations between politics and art, we invite you to a unique meeting with Jud Anogwith - a Nigerian artist and curator who has prepared one of the 4 film programs especially for ARENA, entitled Contrast of Characters: National Video Art. During the meeting on the European Night of Museums on 17th May, he will talk about the extremely dynamic African art scene, related in particular to video art.
- The moving image – the art of video – is part of what defines Nigeria as the most populous African nation. The vibrant Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood, is increasingly involved in creating films about the real Africa. The exciting cinematic stories told by Nollywood capture common events, combining the national landscape, its culture, art and vibrant society in one image.
- Jude Anogwih, a Nigerian curator and multimedia artist, will talk about new media art in Lagos and its role in contemporary Nigeria, as well as about the activities of Video Art Network Lagos (VAN Lagos). The curator invited four Nigerian artists to participate in the “Arena” exhibition at the CSW in Toruń. Adejoke Tugbiyele, Aderemi Adegbite, Victor Ehikhamenor and Ima-Abasi Okon share their personal experiences related to Nigeria and its changing socio-political landscape. They also talk about their artistic work and its connections with the dynamic situation in Nigeria, regressive ideologies and the complexity of capitalism, segregation, oppression, and finally – about their desires to make a change through the medium of video art.
7:00 p.m., LabSen, - "Lil'ja" - diploma performance as part of the Post-Secondary School of Theatre Education and Practice, free admission.
- Screenplay and direction: Joanna Wiśniewska
- Starring: Karolina Piotrowska, Dorota Roszak, Janusz Kwasowski, Grzegorz Pawlikowski, Katarzyna Seniuk, Krystian Wieczyński, Radosław Smużny, Ewelina Grabowska, Aleksandra Pilichiewicz
- Scenography, graphic design: Małgorzata Prusak-Zarębska
- Musical arrangement: Jarosław Zarębski
8:30 PM – Dobrila Denegri, project curator and artistic director of CSW, will guide you through the ARENA exhibition. Start: CSW reception, ground floor, main hall.
9:30 p.m. - guided tour of the Crimestory exhibition, starting: CSW reception, ground floor, main hall.
May 16-18, Planete + Doc Film Festival, Kino Centrum, tickets: PLN 12/14.
- The PLANETE+ DOC Festival is one of the most important documentary film festivals in Europe, awarded by the Polish Film Institute as the most important international film event in Poland. The festival will be held in Toruń for the umpteenth time. During the weekend, the best documentaries of the past year will be shown for the first time, and viewers will choose the film that will receive the Network of Arthouse and Local Cinemas award.
UNIVERSITY MUSEUM
Open from 18.00 to 24.00.
We invite you to an unprecedented event in Polish museums of the 21st century. The University Museum and the Emigration Archive will show for the first time in Poland unique, original drawings and sketches by an outstanding Polish painter, participant of the Battle of Monte Cassino – Zygmunt Turkiewicz. In 1944, these drawings were recognized by General Władysław Anders and outstanding painters: Józef Czapski and Gino Severini, as the most accurate and most outstanding artistic presentation of the battle. Only Turkiewicz's drawings were published in the form of an album in 1944, as "Montecassino". They were used by Melchior Wańkowicz in his three-volume monograph "The Battle of Monte Cassino" (1945-1947). The drawings and sketches were only shown in Rome in the years 1944-1946 and... disappeared for 70 years. Found in London at Turkiewicz's wife's sister, Pooka Kępiński, they were acquired as a gift for Nicolaus Copernicus University. In addition to the drawings, the night exhibition will feature memorabilia related to the painter and the battle, including the white-and-red flag from Monte Cassino. The drawings will be shown in Warsaw on May 21 at an exhibition in the Senate of the Republic of Poland.
International Hansa Day Celebrations Return to Toruń May 17–18
A mini exhibition of Hanseatic ship models, a city game related to the Vistula and shipping themes, workshops prepared by Piwnica Hanzy or the 1st Toruń Night of Museums – these are the events planned as part of the celebrations of the International Hanseatic Day, which will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Every year in this way we commemorate the Hanseatic traditions of the city.
Toruń belonged to the group of cities that were considered members of the Great Hansa already in the 13th century. It was first included in the political and organizational activities of the Hansa in 1280. At that time, the council of Lübeck asked the Toruń councilors whether they agreed to move the Hanseatic merchants' office from Bruges to Aardenburg. Toruń's role in the historical Hansa was primarily as a trade intermediary. Clothes were imported from the west, mainly from Flanders, as well as salt, wine and spices. Grain, furs, forest goods and Slovak copper obtained in Prussia and on Polish lands were exported to the west.
The historical Hansa ceased to exist in 1669. Today, we are reminded of its tradition by the stylized coats of arms placed on Szeroka and Królowej Jadwigi Streets. Among them are both Hanseatic cities and other towns that were not members of the Hansa, and with which Toruń maintained lively trade relations. The designs of the coats of arms made of steel, brass, reddish brass and black stone were created based on the reconstruction of symbols from the heraldic frieze, which was located on the façade of the former Artus Court in Toruń.
Hanseatic ideas were revived after more than 300 years, in 1980, when the first Congress of the New Hansa Cities took place in the Dutch city of Zwolle. Toruń, cultivating the Vistula traditions, could not remain outside of it. To this day, the city participates in international Hanseatic congresses, cultivating the old merchant traditions, thanks to which Toruń developed so dynamically in the past.
In connection with this, the International Hansa Day is taking place in Toruń. This year, the events will take place on May 17 and 18, 2025. The program includes, among others, a mini exhibition of Hanseatic ship models, a city game related to the Vistula and shipping topics, and workshops prepared by Piwnica Hanzy.
Program:
May 17 (Saturday)
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Mini exhibition of Hanseatic ship models - FLASHING PAVILION Philadelphia Boulevard
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. City game "In the footsteps of Hanseatic Merchant Masters"
Start - FLATFLING PAVILION Philadelphia Boulevard
For whom?
For everyone who likes good fun (families with children welcome)
Registration via the form (link: https://forms.gle/MHPKq6oJURPfDUYB6 )
You too join the Hanseatic League!
Workshops prepared by Piwnica Hanzy - stand near the raftsman monument,
sessions every half an hour from 11:00 to 15:00 (11:00; 11:30; 12:00; 12:30; 13:00; 13:30; 14:00; 14:30; 15:00),
registration: opakowania.hanzy@gmail.com free admission
1:00 p.m. Guided tour of the Teutonic Castle (included in the ticket price)
District Museum - 1st Toruń Night of Museums organized as part of the European Night of Museums and the International Hanseatic League Day More information >>HERE<<
May 18 (Sunday)
12:00 - Philadelphia Boulevard, at the Toruń Rafters' Pier
Open-air concert as part of the 32nd Baltic Countries Music Festival PROBALTICA 2025 on a Vistula boat. The boat will be moored at the Toruń Rafters' Pier opposite Żeglarska Street,
performed by the 9-person MULTICAMERATA Band
in the program:
Variations on the theme of the song "Płynie Wisłapływ" to the words of Edmund Wasilewski and the theme of Kazimierz Hofman for the musical octet op. Henryk Giza,
Stanisław Moniuszko - Opera Flis - overture and arias,
Georg Friedrich Haendel - Music on the Water, Allegro, Aria - Andante, Bourree - Vivace,
Antonio Vivaldi - Burza,
Mieczysław Karłowicz - Waltz,
Ennio Morricone - Misja
Mercedes-Benz Rally to Bring Hundreds of Classic Cars to Toruń
Hundreds of cars from different eras, sports driving shows on the track and charity rides with the participation of the audience are just some of what will be available to see in MotoPark in Toruń this Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The National Mercedes-Benz Rally in Toruń, whose tradition dates back to 2008, is currently one of the two largest cyclical meetings of fans of this brand in the world. In 2024, almost 670 cars bearing the star's logo took part. The organizers estimate that this year there may be as many as around 700.
Participants of the meetings come to the city of Copernicus from all regions of the country. As a rule, guests from abroad will also appear. This time will be no different, because enthusiasts of the brand from Germany and Ukraine have already announced their arrival.
The meeting will take place from 9:30 to 16:30 at the MotoPark Toruń sports and training facility at ul. Łukasiewicza 66.
The "stars" will include carefully restored, decades-old automotive relics, a wide group of perfectly maintained classics from the 1980s and 1990s, popular models, and the manufacturer's newest cars.
A whole range of rally competitions await the event participants. Among them will be attractions on the car track, as well as a rich block of recreational and integration competitions. It will include, among others, a tire throwing competition and a team competition consisting of a group pulling a truck against the clock. Traditionally, the Auto Zlotu will also be selected in several categories. There will also be a competition on brand knowledge.
There will also be attractions for the youngest, including a zone of bouncy castles and trampolines, as well as rides on mini-motors. A special attraction will be the Wawel Truck, a mobile play zone of a well-known confectionery manufacturer, where children will be able to enjoy interactive games and hundreds of kilograms of sweets. Specialists from the Wawel company will also present the secrets of chocolate production.
External social organizations will also be carrying out their activities during the rally. The Fun and Drive Foundation will be raising funds for specialist neonatal ambulances during the rally, which will be used to save the lives and health of newborns and premature babies. On-site, it will be possible to use professional racing simulators and rides in sports Mercedes cars on the track provided by the brand's dealer, Garcarek, for a fee. All proceeds from these attractions will be donated to the foundation.
The event is organized by the Tomasz Niejadlik Media event and advertising agency and the Mercedes Toruń Club association. The main partner of the event is Mercedes-Benz Garcarek, and the golden partner is the Pirelli brand.
The event was held under the Honorary Patronage of the Mayor of Toruń, Paweł Gulewski.
Admission for spectators is free.
Bolesławiec Night of Museums to Feature Ceramics, WWII History and Reenactments
On May 17 at 6:00 PM we are starting another edition of the Bolesławiec Night of Museums. In connection with this, we have prepared a number of attractions related to two of this year's main themes: the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the ceramic festival Buongiorno Ceramica!
We would like to inform you right away that our facilities will be open on this day during the following hours:
-Museum of Ceramics (ul. Zgorzelecka 28/29): 10:00-17:00 and 18:00-24:00.
-Centre of Old Pottery Techniques (ul. Kutuzowa 14): 10:00-14:00 and 18:00-24:00.
During the night opening, between 6:00 PM and midnight, admission to both buildings will be free of charge, and in addition to the exhibition, various attractions will await you inside:
Museum of Ceramics, ul. Zgorzelecka 28/29
- 6:00 p.m. - Action Buongiorno Ceramica! - curatorial guided tour of the temporary exhibition “Mater Ceramica - selected objects from the collections of the Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche in Faenza and the Ceramics Museum in Bolesławiec”;
-Buongiorno Ceramica Action! - game “Where is beauty?” with prizes, played at the temporary exhibition “Mater Ceramica”;
- 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m. - "Rusty Death - Explosive Remnants of World War II" - exhibition and half-hour lectures on sapper operations in the Bolesławiec region, conducted in the museum's conference room by a veteran of the Sapper Patrol and Military Missions Outside the Country's Borders, Senior Warrant Officer, Reserve Radosław Mazur.
-“Rebuilding Bolesławiec” - workshops held in the workshop room on the ground floor, focusing on creating paper models of Bolesławiec tenement houses, which are the result of the post-war reconstruction of the city;
-“The beginnings of post-war Bolesławiec pottery” - art classes using authentic sketches of the first post-war Bolesławiec pottery designs.
Park by the museum, Zgorzelecka Street
- 6:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. - Diorama of a camp from World War II by the Upper Lusatian Friends Association and Qltur Kombinat, the Association for the Promotion of Pieńska Region Culture.
-Field kitchen with free pea soup (while supplies last);
-"Rusty Death - Explosive Remnants of World War II" - an outdoor exhibition in the park, presenting examples of dangerous finds from World War II;
- 8:00 p.m. - Reenactment of World War II battles with narration concerning war activities in the region performed by the Upper Lusatian Friends Association and Qltur Kombinat Association for the Promotion of Pieńska Region Culture - ATTENTION - LOUD PYROTECHNICS WILL BE USED DURING THE SHOW!
Centre of Old Pottery Techniques, ul. Kutuzova 14
-from 6:00 PM (last entry at 11:00 PM) - Vivat sgraffito! workshops - a meeting with the sgraffito decorative technique, which flourished most during the Renaissance, especially in Italy. In a multimedia presentation, we will present the most interesting examples of the use of this spectacular technique in architecture and ceramics. Using this source of inspiration, visitors will be able to decorate their own ceramic coaster or dessert plate using the scratching method.
-for the bravest we have also prepared a competition in arranging ceramic puzzles against the clock.
We cordially invite you
Bolesławiec May Day Horse Riding Event to Feature Show Jumping and Hobby Horse Contests
We cordially invite everyone, not only horse sports enthusiasts, to the Bolesławiec Equestrian May Day - friendly show jumping competition on May 17, 2025, Father J. Popiełuszko Square, starting at 10:00.
In addition to the equestrian sports competition, the Hobby Horse competition will also be held. A day full of sports emotions, good fun and a family atmosphere awaits us!
Program:
10:00 – Competitions for the youngest and youth:
BABY HOBBYHORSE – height up to 20 cm (for children from 4 years of age), start in pairs with mom or dad
HOBBYHORSIAKI – height up to 30 cm (for children from 6 years)
Mini LL – height up to 50 cm (from 9 to 12 years)
LL – height up to 70 cm (from 11 years)
L – height up to 90 cm (from 11–15 years)
The Power of Jumping (from 10 years)
12:00 hrs
Competition No. 1 – 40 cm crosses, accuracy without gameplay (Article 238, point 1.1)
Competition No. 2 – mini-LL 50–60 cm, accuracy without gameplay (Article 238, point 1.1)
Competition No. 3 – mini-LL 70–80 cm, accuracy without gameplay (Article 238, point 1.1)
Competition No. 4 – LL 80–90 cm, regular competition (Art. 238, point 2.1)
Competition No. 5 – L 100 cm, regular competition (art. 238 point 2.1)
Applications and details:
tel. 669 444 701 Andrzej, 603 557 224 Filip, e-mail:majowkajezdziecka@gmail.com
See you at the Equestrian May Day!
Cultural Events Across Żagań and Nearby Towns Mark May 17–18 Weekend
The weekend is expected to be rainy, with temperatures of 14 degrees Celsius. It is worth taking an umbrella and going for a walk, but it is also worth taking advantage of the cultural offer on the election weekend, which will give us a break from politics due to the election silence. If you know of any events worth recommending that are not on the program, write in the comments.
Friday, May 16 in Żagań
- 20:00 and 22:00 night tour of the Prince's Palace in Żagań, as part of the Night of Museums. Registration at the Tourist Information Centre, tel. 60 477 10 01.
Saturday, May 17, 2025 in Żagań
- 9:00 5km parkrun around the Prince's Park in Żagań. Start in the moat under the palace.
- 9.30 XI May Day with Szroniaki. The Szron-Czerna Water Tourism Association invites you to a kayaking trip on the Kwisa. Start in Ławszowa.
- 14.00, 16.00 and 20.00 free tour of the Museum of POW Camps in Żagań, as part of the Night of Museums. For the night tour, you need to bring comfortable shoes and flashlights.
- 20:00, 21:00 and 22:00 night tours of the Żagań Abbey and library at Klasztorny Square, as part of the Night of Museums. Registration: 607 821 170.
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