Established in 1945 the Zespół Państwowych Szkół Plastycznych im Wojciecha Gersona in Warsaw has a rich history. Initially it was known as the Państwowe Liceum Artystyczne. It shared a building with the Wyższa Szkoła Sztuk Plastycznych on Myśliwieckiej Street. The school collaborated with the Central Pedagogical Centre and the International Association for Education through Art. Antoni Mączak was its first director and founder. His vision was “education through art”.
The Zespół Państwowych Szkół Plastycznych later transformed into the Ogólnokształcąca Szkoła Sztuk Pięknych. From 1953 onwards students could choose from a wider range of university courses after graduation. In 1957 the school moved to a former cadet school in the Łazienki Królewskie. In 1963 it received patronage from Cepelia the Central Office of Folk and Artistic Industry.
The Zespół Państwowych Szkół Plastycznych provided a space where young people from diverse backgrounds found common ground through creative expression. However the events of March 1968 led to the removal of founder and director Antoni Mączak and vice-director Władysław Tiunin.
In 1977 the Zespół Państwowych Szkół Plastycznych relocated to its current address on Smocza Street. This building was previously occupied by the XLV LO im Romualda Traugutta. Renowned artists like Jacek Kuroń Maciej Piekarski Andrzej Rudziński and Władysław Tiunin taught there. A gymnasium was added in 2002.
Until 2019 it operated under the name Zespół Państwowych Szkół Plastycznych. Graduates received the title of “plastyk” specialising in one of four areas. This qualified them for professional work. Dr Beata Lewińska-Gwóźdź served as the director from 2006 to 2023. Paweł Kasprzak is the current director. The school boasts numerous well-equipped art studios. A significant reform in 2019 changed its name to Państwowe Liceum Sztuk Plastycznych im Wojciecha Gersona.
The Zespół Państwowych Szkół Plastycznych im Wojciecha Gersona has nurtured generations of talented artists. Many notable alumni have achieved international recognition. Their work continues to inspire and enrich the world. This school is more than just an institution. It’s a living testament to the power of art and creativity. It’s a place where dreams are nurtured and talents are honed. The legacy of the Zespół Państwowych Szkół Plastycznych im Wojciecha Gersona is one that deserves to be celebrated. Its enduring contribution to Polish art and culture is undeniable.