National Museum, Wroclaw

The National Museum in Wrocław is a significant cultural institution established on March 28, 1947, and officially inaugurated on July 11, 1948. As one of Poland's integral branches of the National Museum system, it stands out for its extensive collection of contemporary art, making it a vital hub for modern creative expressions within the country.

The origins and holdings of the Wrocław Museum are intimately intertwined with the tumultuous history of border shifts in Central Europe following the aftermath of World War II. Particularly noteworthy was the annexation of the eastern half of the Second Polish Republic by the Soviet Union. As a consequence, many valuable art collections from cities incorporated into the USSR, such as Lviv, faced relocation and dispersion.

The Wrocław Museum played a pivotal role as it received a portion of Poland's art collections. These transferred collections included Polish and European paintings spanning the 17th to 19th centuries, offering a captivating glimpse into the art and history of the region.

The museum's exhibition spaces are organized into four distinct departments, each dedicated to specific art periods and historical epochs. The first department, "Silesian Art of the 12th to 16th century," provides a window into the past with tombs of Silesian princes and a remarkable array of Gothic art treasures. Moving forward, the "Silesian Art of the 16th to 19th century" department offers a comprehensive journey through sculpture, painting, and decorative arts, encompassing the Silesian Renaissance to Romanticism.

For enthusiasts of Polish art, the "Polish Art of the 17th to 19th century" department presents a rich tapestry of masterpieces. This section includes Polish Baroque portraits by renowned artists like Marceli Bacciarelli and Canaletto, contributing to a deeper understanding of Poland's artistic legacy.

Lastly, the "European Art of the 15th–20th Century" department showcases a diverse range of artworks from across the continent, spanning five centuries. This comprehensive collection allows visitors to explore European artistic movements and styles, offering a captivating panorama of creative expressions.