EXHIBITION: GOLDEN AGE

The Wilanow Poster Museum has put together a special collection under the umbrella "Golden Age: Tendencies in Dutch Graphic Design 1890-1990". The exhibition first premièred in Bucharest in 2007, and has travelled throughout Europe in the past year. On display will be over 200 of the most characteristic examples of Dutch graphic design from the 20th century. The exhibition covers the works of such greats as Jan Toorop, Bart van der Leck, Piet Zwart, Paul Schuitema, Willem Sandberg, Jan Bons, Jan van Toorn, Wim Crouwel and others who have inspired generations of designers worldwide. The collection is curated by Cees W. de Jong and Alston W. Purvis, authors of the book Dutch Graphic Design. A Century of Innovation, and will run throughout most of April and May 2009.

when - Until 24th May
where - Wilanow Poster Museum, ul. St. Kostki Potockiego 10/16
more info - click here

INTERNATIONAL COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY ART 5TH EDITION

The 5th edition of the Centre for Contemporary Art's International Art Collection will feature works from over 90 artists, including over 30 from abroad, incorporating different media such as painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, installations, video, recordings of art happenings and public projects. The exhibition will provide a sort of retrospective for the Centre, which has accumulated one of the best collections of modern art in Poland over its 20 years, reflecting the metamorphosis of the country through art. The works presented span the era from the early 1960s until the present decade, and feature both prominent Polish artists as well as those they drew inspiration from. The exhibition opens at the end of March and runs through the 6th of September.

when - Until 6th September
where - Centre for Contemporary Art, Al. Ujazdowskie 6
more info - click here

EXHIBITION: WORKS

In Michal Budny's skilled hands, everyday materials - paper, cardboard, adhesive tape - are transformed into imaginative spatial forms. The young artist is one of the most accessible in the world of 21st century Polish sculpture, and thus his popularity is not surprising. However, accessible does not equate to boring, and Budny's works often border on the unorthodox, forcing the observer to re-evaluate their perceptions of everyday objects and their roles in society. In addition, Budny's style reflects a particular elegance and simplicity many artists strive for, but few reach. Well worth checking out.

when - Until 10th May
where - Centre for Contemporary Art, Al. Ujazdowskie 6
more info - click here

SYMPHONY CONCERT: HEINRICH SCHIFF

Heinrich Schiff, renowned conductor and cellist, will be performing with the Warsaw Symphony Orchestra. On the bill is Joseph Haydn's Symphony in G minor La Poule Hob. I/83, Dmitri Shostakovich's I Cello Concert Es-dur op. 107, Witold Lutoslawski's Funeral Music, as well as Antonin Dvorak's The Golden Spinning Wheel op. 109. Tickets are priced between 25 and 45 zloty and available at the Warsaw Philharmonic box office.

when - 9th May
where - Warsaw Philharmonic, ul. Jasna 5
more info - click here

EXHIBITION: MUNICIPAL GUARD

Zacheta's secondary gallery, Kordegarda, will be showing Grzegorz Drozd's "Municipal Guard" exhibition this month. The focus will be on a large scale photograph of a group of municipal guards - officers policing laws based on city regulations, particularly traffic. Grzegorz Drozd's works are often based on a dialogue between his ideas and the works of other artists. In this case, a comparison can be drawn between this photograph and Rembrandt's well-known "Night Watch". Stop by Kordegarda to see the artistic connection for yourself.

when - until 22nd June
where - Kordegarda Gallery, ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 15/17
more info - click here

THEATRE: THE SNOW QUEEN

If you're a sucker for a good fairy tale you can look no further than the Syrena (Mermaid) Theatre this month, where they'll be performing Hans Christian Andersen's classic The Snow Queen. Admittedly the timing is a bit strange considering we're all busy prancing through daffodil gardens now that the sun's finally decided to show it's face, but who minds really? Snow or no snow, it's a classic story worth telling (and watching), and certainly worth introducing your kids to if they're no yet familiar with tale. This performance will be in Polish though, with song lyrics by the famed Agnieszka Osiecka, but let's face it - the gorgeous stage design, costumes, dancing and exaggerated theatrical gestures are surely more than enough to follow along.

when - 12th to 30th May
where - Teatr Syrena, ul. Litewska 3
more info - click here

EXHIBITION: ZOFIA STRYJENSKA

Arriving in Warsaw from Krakow via Poznan is this exhibition of much acclaimed inter-war Polish artist Zofia Stryjenska. Her paintings and illustrations beautifully epitomize the art deco period in Poland, and the figures and scenes in her works are an ideal window towards understanding Polish folk heritage. Make sure you don't miss out on this one, as Warsaw's branch of the National Gallery has some of the best work by the artist.

when - 15th May to 12th July
where - National Museum, Al. Jerozolimskie 3
more info - click here

CONCERT: SHAKIN STEVENS

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the 60s belonged to the Beatles, the 70s to Elton John, and the 80s - to Shakin' Stevens. But even after all these years, Shakin' Stevens is still shakin', and has even released a new record titled Now Listen!. To promote this album, he'll be playing one concert in Poland on his European tour - in Warsaw's own Palace of Culture!

when - 16th May
where - Sala Kongresowa, Plac Defilad 1
more info - click here

CONCERT: DEPECHE MODE

One of the best known and finest bands in the history of rock music, Depeche Mode, will be making their way across Europe in the "Tour of the Universe," and luckily Warsaw is on their path. The tour will be promoting their new album, "Songs of the Universe," which hits Polish store shelves in April. If you're a huge fan, we hope you have your tickets already, because this concert is sold out.

when - 23rd May
where - Stadion Gwardii, ul. Racławicka 132
more info - click here