MNK Wyspiański

The creative personality of Stanisław Wyspiański (1869–1907) undoubtedly left its mark in many fields of art. A painter, graphic artist, theatre reformer, architectural visionary – these are just a few incarnations of the creator of the stained glass God the Father – Arise [„Stań się”] in the Cracovian church by the Franciscan monastery. The artist’s influence can still be found in the collective imagination of the inhabitants of Poland, especially in Krakow.

The permanent gallery at the National Museum in Krakow shows examples of visual work by Stanisław Wyspiański, representing the areas he was interested in: from intimate portraits of the family and pastel Views from the artist’s studio window, through furniture and interior designs, to monumental sketches of stained-glass windows and plans for the reconstruction of the Acropolis – the Wawel hill, which Wyspiański perceived and treated as the symbolic spiritual centre of his homeland.

The National Museum in Krakow takes care of Wyspiański’s largest collection of works (over 1,100 works) as well as numerous memorabilia, documents and a book collection donated by the family after the artist’s death, reflecting his versatile interests.

The MNK Wyspiański Gallery combines the values of a biographical museum with a broad overview of the artist’s work. The exhibition is changed periodically to protect priceless works of art. This is due to the delicate nature of pastel works, which are mostly created on paper-based supports.

Each new display of Wyspiański’s works provides a chance to reconnect with the legacy of one of the most significant figures in Polish cultural history.

Curatorial team: Magdalena Laskowska, Danuta Godyń

Co-financed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage

Funding provided: 2022: PLN 234 000, 2023: PLN 175 000