National Museum in Wrocław — Attraction in Wrocław

If you're an international tourist of colour, their exhibitions will likely disappoint you.

To specify, I have a serious concern about their recent exhibition: "Cudo-Twórcy."

In this exhibition, the curators have grouped Chinese, Japanese, and Turkish artefacts under a unifying umbrella: "The Art of the Orient." They did not explain the reason for this co-placement, nor did they provide sufficient information about the interrelations between these countries. Such homogenisation of Asian cultures fortifies a Eurocentric, Orientalist misconception that the sole defining feature of an Asian culture is its exotic dissimilarity to the European norm.

Furthermore, the curators made a problematic decision to use "the rising sun flag", the symbol of Japanese imperialism, as the frontal logo of this exhibition. During the 19th and the 20th Century, the Japanese Empire violently terrorised its neighbouring nations, committing war crimes against citizens and soldiers alike. Notably, the Japanese army massacred more than 200,000 people in Nanjing and conducted detrimental, non-consensual experiments on the bodies of colonial citizens. Yet, Muzeum Narodowe we Wroclawiu completely disregards these contexts of colonial violence. Instead, they audaciously subsume Chinese cultures under the image of "the rising sun flag", diluting the horrors of intra-continental colonialism.

Whereas the artworks in their collection are impressive, I don't think the museum has enough conscience about anti-racist,...

A must-visit for art and history enthusiasts. Located at pl. Powstańców Warszawy 5, this museum boasts an extensive collection of Polish and European art, spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary times. Highlights include medieval Silesian sculptures, Renaissance and Baroque paintings, and modern works by artists like Tadeusz Makowski and Magdalena Abakanowicz.  

The museum’s building, an architectural gem from the late 19th century, is adorned with ivy that changes color with the seasons, adding to its charm. Inside, the exhibitions are well-organized, making it easy to navigate through the diverse collections. 

Visitors should note that while the museum offers a rich cultural experience, some information may not be available in English, which could be a consideration for non-Polish speakers. Additionally, certain sections might benefit from updated presentation techniques to engage younger audiences better. At least they are very handicap friendly with access for wheelchairs, and braille and other installations for the blind.

The museum is open daily from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Admission is free on Saturdays, providing an excellent opportunity for budget-conscious travelers to explore the permanent exhibitions. You are encouraged to check in your coat and bags at the locker area near the entrance.

Overall, the National Museum in Wrocław offers a comprehensive look into Poland’s artistic heritage and is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in art...

What struck me first about the National Museum of Wroclaw was walking through the park and being confronted by a massive imposing old building covered by a creeping vine giving me an eerie feeling of stepping back centuries in time...It was the perfect introduction to a truly great history and art museum...The huge ancient timber doors creaked open to a splendid grand hall with marble pillars and three floors of unique historical exhibits with religious , medieval , contemporary and folk art...I spent several wonderous hours absorbing the beauty of the paintings and statues ...the most striking lifelike statue was the beautifully carved stone sarcophagus of a 13th century royal duke...Polish folk paintings were well represented as well as a wide and varied assortment of weapons and suites of armour...The Museum has a well stocked bookshop and a cafe for coffee and snacks...The National Museum of Wroclaw has improved immensely since my last visit a decade ago...If you want to spend an enthralling , educational and stimulating day out in clean and tidy old town Wroclaw this is the...