Artibus. That Latin word engraved on the architrave of the Zachęta National Gallery of Art translates to “To the Arts”. It serves as a fitting introduction to this institution. The Zachęta Gallery stands as a beacon of Polish contemporary art right in the heart of Warsaw.
But why “Zachęta?” The name itself means “encouragement” in Polish. It comes from the Towarzystwo Zachęty do Sztuk Pięknych. This translates to the Society for the Encouragement of the Fine Arts. The society was founded in Warsaw in 1860. Its goal was to foster artistic creation. It also aimed to cultivate a broader appreciation for art within Polish society.
Before 1860, Poland lacked public museums. There were no libraries or accessible institutions for artistic exchange. Following the November Uprising, artistic education faced severe repression. This made the Society’s emergence all the more vital. Artists and art experts established the Society’s statutes. They held their first official meeting on December 13, 1860.
Initially, all artworks remained on display until sold. This led to crowded walls. It created a monotonous permanent exhibition. Later, the gallery shifted its focus. It began to host temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection.
Look at the building itself. First designs for it emerged in 1862. A lack of funds delayed their realization. In 1894, the municipality donated land to the Society. A competition followed and Stefan Szyller, a Warsaw architect, won. His design showcased a neo-Renaissance style with classical elements. Zygmunt Otto created allegorical figures and sculptures for the portal. Construction started in 1898. The front building opened in December 1900. The south wing followed in 1903.
During World War II, the surrounding area suffered immense destruction. Yet, Zachęta remained comparatively intact. German units occupied the building. They transformed it into the Haus der Deutschen Kultur. This was the House of German Culture. It served primarily for propaganda. The Society dissolved and artwork was moved or confiscated. The Zachęta building suffered heavy damage during the Warsaw Uprising.
After the war, the Society wasn’t reactivated. Instead, the Central Bureau for Art Exhibitions replaced it. Barbara Majewska, the bureau’s director, steered it away from old structures. In 1994, it became the Zachęta State Gallery. In 2003, it gained national status. It was renamed the Zachęta National Gallery of Art.
Inside, you will find a collection of almost 3700 works. These include paintings, sculptures, installations and videos. There are also graphics and performances. Polish artists from the 20th century are well represented.
The gallery also has a library. Here you can find catalogs about Polish and foreign artists. Books on contemporary art are also available. The Department for Documentation archives the lives and works of Polish artists since 1945.
In the past, the Zachęta Gallery has faced controversies. The influence of the Catholic Church in Poland led to censorship. In 2000, politician Witold Tomczak damaged Maurizio Cattelan’s sculpture, La Nona Ora.
Today, the Zachęta National Gallery of Art continues its mission. It presents and supports Polish contemporary art. It also showcases international artists. It stands as a dynamic space for artistic expression and dialogue. The gallery encourages all to engage with the art of our time.