The Best Art Galleries in Gdańsk
Rampant gentrification and the rapidly changing character of the city have transformed Gdańsk into one of the leading hubs for contemporary art in Poland. With our guide to the best galleries, find out where to go when you want to explore the works of local and international artists.
Murals Gdansk Zaspa / Monumental Art Collection
Art Gallery
Murals Gdansk Zaspa is not your typical white-walled, pristine art gallery. Located in the Zaspa settlement, this open-air collection consists of 59 large format murals, with the largest one being 36 meters tall. Painted by artists from all over the world who use a variety of styles, techniques and colours, the monumental art pieces tell a story of the evolution of the city in a very unique way. Those who want to find out more about the pieces and the history of Zaspa settlement should take advantage of the free tours led by the local guides, organised in July and August.
Günter Grass Gallery
As the name suggest, this gallery is dedicated to the memory of Günter Grass, the Nobel Prize Winner for Literature who was born in the city. Even though Grass was mostly known for his writing, he was also an accomplished graphic artist and sculptor. Those who decide to head to the gallery will be able to explore the lesser known aspects of his creative life, but those who are unable to make it to Gdańsk can still explore the gallery’s collection online.
Günter Grass Gallery, ul. Szeroka 34/35, 36, 37, Gdańsk, Poland, +48 58 304 98 54
Günter Grass Gallery, ul. Szeroka 34/35, 36, 37, Gdańsk, Poland, +48 58 304 98 54
Centrum Sztuki Współczesnej 'Łaźnia'
Located in an abandoned municipal bathhouse, Centre for Contemporary Art ‘Łaźnia’ was the first public art institution dedicated to contemporary art created after the fall of Communism in 1989. The gallery focuses on showcasing both local and international artists whose work engages with and makes a commentary on current issues. Apart from temporary exhibitions, the centre also organises numerous concerts, movie screenings, meeting and discussions. In 2012, the prestigious Art Spaces Directory included ‘Łaźnia’ as one of the best independent art spaces in the world.
Gdańska Galeria Miejska
Gdańska Galeria Miejska (Gdańsk City Gallery) aims to create a space for progressive and experimental contemporary art that reflects on broadly understood culture and society. The curatorial team’s interests revolve around the intersection of literature and the visual arts, as well providing a platform for debuting local artists. With three branches, including the aforementioned Günter Grass Gallery, Gdańska Galeria Miejska offers an intriguing space for the dialogue between the local context and global artistic currents.
Gdańska Galeria Miejska 1, ul. Piwna 27/29, Gdańsk, Poland, +48 58 682 00 93
Gdańska Galeria Miejska 2, ul. Powroźnicza 13/15, Gdańsk, Poland, +48 58 305 70 35
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLnwtzYBQaG/?taken-by=gdanskagaleriamiejska&hl=en
Gdańska Galeria Miejska 1, ul. Piwna 27/29, Gdańsk, Poland, +48 58 682 00 93
Gdańska Galeria Miejska 2, ul. Powroźnicza 13/15, Gdańsk, Poland, +48 58 305 70 35
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLnwtzYBQaG/?taken-by=gdanskagaleriamiejska&hl=en
Kolonia Artystów
An iconic establishment on Gdańsk’s art map, Kolonia Artystów (Colony of Artists) supports and promotes independent artists and organises projects that invite the local community to experience art in a different way. From concerts, exhibitions, film screenings and meetings with people from the broadly defined art world, Kolonia Artystów is dedicated to bringing the newest and most original experiences to the attentions of Gdańsk’s inhabitants.