“All the Gardens of Life by Aniela Gut-Stapińska” – December Evening at Czerwony Dwór
On Monday, December 2, 2024, at 6:00 PM, the Czerwony Dwór Villa (27 Kasprusie Street) will host a unique cultural event. During the December Evening at Czerwony Dwór, a meeting titled “All the Gardens of Life by Aniela Gut-Stapińska” will take place, dedicated to the memory of this extraordinary Podhale poet, short story writer, folklorist, and cultural activist.
The event will be hosted by Prof. Anna Mlekodaj, PhD, who will highlight the rich works and life of Aniela Gut-Stapińska – a woman who cherished and cultivated Podhale culture and tradition for many years.
Admission is free, making it a perfect opportunity to spend the evening in a unique atmosphere in the heart of Zakopane. The event is organized by the City of Zakopane, Zakopane Cultural Center, and the Center for Native Culture at the Czerwony Dwór Villa.
“100 Years of My Family in the Tatra Mountains” – A Tale by Apoloniusz Rajwa
On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 5:00 PM, the Palace Museum at Tytus Chałubiński Street in Zakopane will host a unique meeting titled “100 Years of My Family in the Tatra Mountains.” Apoloniusz Rajwa will take us on a journey through time, recounting the story of his family in Zakopane from 1922 to 1952.
The story begins with the arrival of his mother’s two sisters, who worked at the “U Dańca” bakery and the “Cieszynianka” guesthouse, and concludes with Apoloniusz Rajwa’s school years. The presentation will be enriched with dozens of archival photographs, adding a distinctive charm of bygone times to the tale.
Admission is free as part of the Tatra Museum’s promotional activities. This event will captivate both history enthusiasts and younger attendees curious about the past of the Podhale region.
Symposium “OUTLINES OF FORM” – Art in Dialogue with Tatra Nature
From December 5 to 15, 2024, Zakopane will host an extraordinary artistic event. The Antoni Rząsa Foundation, in collaboration with the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, invites you to the symposium “OUTLINES OF FORM – Contemporary Sculpture in the Context of Unique Tatra Nature.”
This unique space will bring together artists, researchers, and practitioners to explore the intersection of art with environmental conservation, sustainable development, and nature ethics.
Event Program:
December 5, 5:30 PM – Open meeting “See You at Rząsa’s” at the Antoni Rząsa Gallery (16A Bogdańskiego Street), where symposium participants will share their reflections.
December 7–15 – Post-symposium exhibition presenting the artists’ work at two locations:
- Antoni Rząsa Gallery
- Academy of Fine Arts Creative Work Center in Harenda
This symposium offers a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary sculpture inspired by the Tatra ecosystem and reflect on the role of art in environmental conservation. All events are free of charge.
Meeting with Bianka Rolando – Author of “Our Zakopane”
December 5, 2024, at 5:00 PM in the Władysław Hasior Gallery (18b Jagiellońska Street, Zakopane), a meeting with Bianka Rolando, the author of the book “Our Zakopane,” will take place.
This richly illustrated publication showcases the impact of the Tatras on the works of Polish artists – painters, sculptors, and architects – and includes reproductions of their works. Admission is free, and the event will be streamed online.
St. Nicholas Day at Zakopane Thermal Baths – A Day Full of Joy and Surprises
December 8, 2024, Zakopane Thermal Baths (Jagiellońska Street) invite you to a special St. Nicholas Day celebration starting at 11:00 AM and lasting until 5:00 PM. Prepare for a day full of attractions, unforgettable moments, and a magical atmosphere.
Special Prices:
- Children under 16 – all-day admission for just 1 PLN
- Other guests – only 35 PLN
Event Program:
- 11:00–5:00 PM – Meet Termuś
- 11:00–5:00 PM – Meet St. Nicholas
- 11:00–5:00 PM – Animations for children
- 11:00–5:00 PM – Competitions with prizes
- 10:00–6:00 PM – Water Zorbing
- 10:00–6:00 PM – Inflatable obstacle course
- 2:00–5:00 PM – Photo booth
Additionally:
Sweet treats and gifts for children (while supplies last).
Let this be a day full of smiles and unforgettable memories.
“Museum Through Rose-Colored Glasses” – A Creative Project for Youth
The Tatra Museum invites young people to a unique project “Museum Through Rose-Colored Glasses”, running from December 2024 to May 2025. It’s an opportunity to see the museum from a completely new perspective, explore its hidden corners, and co-create changes to make this space more welcoming and inspiring.
Why Glasses?
Glasses – from VR to rose-tinted – symbolize different ways of perceiving reality. The project aims to showcase the Tatra Museum “behind the scenes” and to nurture the creativity of young participants through engaging workshops, tours, and practical tasks.
Benefits for Participants:
- Learning design thinking, project management, promotion, and event organization.
- Creative tasks such as designing exhibitions, workshops, or a museum game.
- Co-creating innovative changes in the museum.
Program:
- Glasses Collection: We accept all kinds of glasses at the main building of the Tatra Museum.
- First Meeting: December 10, 2024, at 4:15 PM at the main building of the Tatra Museum – an introduction and start of creative workshops. Bring your glasses!
- Tours: Explore the “unexpected” spaces of selected museum branches.
- Creative Workshops: Collaboratively design activities or events inspired by the museum.
- Project Finale: Presentation of results during Museum Night in May 2025.
Meetings: Every two weeks at various Tatra Museum branches:
- Main Building
- Kornel Makuszyński Museum
- Władysław Hasior Gallery
- Palace Museum
We Invite:
School-aged youth ready for creative challenges and eager to discover the museum world from a brand-new perspective.
Start: December 10, 2024 – don’t miss this chance to be part of this creative project!
Ninja Series Season 3 Finals – Exciting Showdown in Zakopane
On December 14–15, 2024, the Sports and Entertainment Hall in Zakopane (8 Chramcówki Street) will become the arena for top ninja athletes competing for top spots in the Ninja Series Season 3 Finals.
What is Ninja Series?
It’s a series of sports competitions where participants tackle an obstacle course designed to test their strength, speed, balance, and agility. The finals will gather top athletes from Poland and abroad, including stars like last year’s medalists and RJ Roman – an icon of the American Ninja Warrior series.
Event Program:
- Saturday, December 14 – Ninja Series Season 3 Event 3 for Adults
- Sunday, December 15 – Ninja Series Season 3 Event 6 for Kids
The competition highlights include:
- A spectacular obstacle course
- Music and multimedia entertainment
- Live broadcast on ninjaseries.tv with cameras covering the entire course and professional commentary
Workshops for Kids:
In the week leading up to the finals (December 9–11), Ninja workshops will take place in Zakopane schools, with the best participants competing in special kids’ competitions on December 12.
Admission is free, with guaranteed excitement! Fans can follow the action live on-site or online – recordings of previous editions can be found on the Ninja Series YouTube channel: Ninja Series Global.
4th National Painting Contest “My Zakopane” – Post-Contest Exhibition
From December 17, 2024, to February 22, 2025, the Municipal Art Gallery of Wł. hr. Zamoyski at 41 Krupówki Street in Zakopane will showcase the works of participants from the 4th National Painting Contest “My Zakopane.”
Exhibition Opening: December 14, 2024, at 5:00 PM.
The “My Zakopane” contest offers an artistic interpretation of Zakopane – its nature, history, traditions, and unique atmosphere. The exhibition features works from artists across Poland, presenting the city in diverse ways, from realistic landscapes to symbolic and modern visions.
Exhibition Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission is free.
The curator and originator of the contest is Lidia Rosińska-Podleśny, with organizers including Zakopane Cultural Center and the Municipal Art Gallery. This event underscores Zakopane’s enduring inspiration for contemporary artists. Visit the exhibition and see Zakopane through the eyes of talented painters from across Poland!
16th Festival of Christmas Carols, Pastorals, and Songs “Dobrze ześ sie Jezu pod Giewontem zrodziył”
On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, at 11:15 PM, at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Zakopane-Olcza (13 Piszczory Street), the first concert of the 16th Festival of Christmas Carols, Pastorals, and Songs “Dobrze ześ sie Jezu pod Giewontem zrodziył” will take place.
In a festive atmosphere, traditional Polish carols and highland pastorals will be performed by the Parish Regional Ensemble “Giewont.” The event will also feature dialect poetry from local poets, symbolic offerings to the Newborn by “Olcza Nativity Players,” and Highland Christmas wishes.
This extraordinary event will immerse you in the magic of Christmas, bringing the mystery of Christ’s birth closer and filling hearts with holiday warmth. Admission is free. Join us to celebrate this special season and enjoy caroling under Giewont!
Concert “A Christmas Letter to MOM” – A Special Event at RZT Entertainment Theater
December 26, 2024, at 7:00 PM, the RZT Entertainment Theater Szymaszkowa (Powstańców Śląskich Street, Zakopane) will host a special concert titled “A Christmas Letter to MOM.”
This holiday tale about mothers – queens, friends, and life teachers – will journey through carols, pastorals, and songs about moms from different cultures, taking viewers on an emotional reflection about the role of mothers in our lives.
Performer:
- Hanna Zbyryt – Actress and singer, winner of the 2024 “Golden Mask” award
Creators:
- Direction and Script: Hanna Zbyryt
- Music Arrangement: Krystian Jaworz
- Set Design: Stanisław Rzankowski
Ticket Prices:
- 150 PLN per adult
- 75 PLN for children aged 6–12
- Free for children under 6
Reservations:
- Phone: 795 540 278
- Online: www.kupbilecik.pl
We invite families to this special event that will undoubtedly bring you into a magical, festive mood!
Annual New Year’s Eve Concert of the Tatra Chamber Orchestra
December 31, 2024, at 6:00 PM, the traditional Annual New Year’s Eve Concert of the Tatra Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Agnieszka Kreiner, will take place at the “Władysław Orkana 2” Congress Center in Zakopane.
This time, the artists invite you on a special musical journey titled “A Musical Train to Croatia.”
Concert Program:
- Part I: Melodies from the Austro-Hungarian era – waltzes, czardas, operetta arias, and duets.
- Part II: Carnival rhythms from Venice, Naples, and Dubrovnik.
Special Guests:
- Gabriela Hrženjak – soprano (Croatia)
- Sebastian Szumski – baritone (Zakopane)
- Karolina Szymbara – violin solo
Additional Attractions:
- New Year’s Eve toasts with the Mayor of Zakopane and the Mayor of Opatija (Croatia).
- Surprises for attendees.
Script and Hosting: Agnieszka Kreiner
Tickets:
This is a ticketed event – details are available from the organizer.
Join us for this special evening that will end 2024 with beautiful melodies, a unique atmosphere, and unforgettable experiences. Let this be a musical farewell to the old year in exceptional style!
Ongoing Events Reminder
“Cloud Scrapers” – Last Chance for a Unique Exhibition
Only until December 1, 2024, at the Władysław Hasior Gallery (18b Jagiellońska Street), you can view the exhibition “Cloud Scrapers. Anna Schumacher – Painting and Lithography.”
The artist combines oil painting and lithography, creating poetic compositions of clouds and geometric mountain peaks. Inspired by nature and the symbolism of the “fifth element,” the series captivates with its subtlety and harmony.
Admission is free, courtesy of the Tatra Museum – don’t miss this unique exhibition!
“Sapphire Sacrum by Grażyna Marusarz” – Final Days of the Exhibition
Until December 5, 2024, at the Czerwony Dwór Villa (Kasprusie Street), you can view the exhibition “Sapphire Sacrum by Grażyna Marusarz.” Specializing in painting on thick glass, the artist enchants with depictions of saints and the Virgin Mary on distinctive sapphire backgrounds.
This is a rare opportunity to admire Zakopane tradition in a modern rendition. Admission is free, organized by the Zakopane Cultural Center. Hurry – the exhibition ends next week!
“Cabinet of Curiosities: Collection of Emotions” – Exhibition Ongoing!
Until December 6, 2024, at the Municipal Art Gallery of Wł. hr. Zamoyski (41 Krupówki Street), you can view Anna Schumacher’s exhibition titled “Cabinet of Curiosities: Collection of Emotions.” The artist’s works uniquely blend emotions, symbolism, and imagination. Admission is free – a perfect chance to discover art full of depth and expression!
“Echoes of the Unseen” – A Story of Oppression in Photography
Until February 28, 2025, at the Palace Museum (7 T. Chałubińskiego Street), you can explore the exhibition “Echoes of the Unseen” by Valentyn Odnoviun.
The Ukrainian artist’s photographs document former Gestapo and NKVD prisons in Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, and Germany, reminding us of history’s difficult experiences. Don’t miss this moving exhibition!
“The Zamoyskis – A Treasury of Values” – The Story of Count Zamoyski
Until the end of the year in Kuźnice, you can visit the exhibition “The Zamoyskis – A Treasury of Values”, dedicated to Count Władysław Zamoyski – Patron of the Year 2024.
The display showcases the life and achievements of this remarkable individual, who contributed to the development of Zakopane and the preservation of the Tatra Mountains. The exhibition is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with free admission. It’s a fantastic opportunity to delve into local history!
