Heritage

The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region holds a vast historical wealth, with numerous tangible and intangible testimonies of our history. Alongside unique historical sites such as the Old Towns of Toruń and Chełmno or the Art Nouveau architecture of Bydgoszcz, there are a number of architectural and historical monuments: remnants of settlements, the development of statehood and religious worship. These historical monuments provide material evidence of the past, conveying knowledge about the times in which they were created, the culture, and achievements in art, science, and economy. They commemorate everyday life and record outstanding events, shaping identity and aesthetic sensibilities.

The preservation of this rich cultural heritage requires a dedicated framework of structural and organisational efforts. Through careful management by the owners and users of historical sites, these combined efforts result in well-preserved monuments and heritage areas. Historically, the lands now forming the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region were marked by substantial cultural diversity, as they encompass territories with distinct histories and, at times, varying political affiliations. This diversity is reflected today in the layered identity of the region, evident in its name, regional and local cultural identities, and the array of preserved cultural assets and landscapes.

Our region is home to numerous historically valuable urban sites and individual architectural monuments. The medieval town of Toruń, famous for its cultural significance, received international recognition when it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. In addition, the region hosts six National Monuments of History:

• the Biskupin archaeological site,
• the historic Old Town of Chełmno,
• Ciechocinek’s brine tower and saltworks complex, alongside its health and spa parks,
• Grudziądz’s historic granary complex with its scenic riverfront,
• Strzelno’s former Norbertine convent complex,
• The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Włocławek.

These sites, together with the cultural heritage of their surrounding environments, form a legacy that the region is committed to preserving and passing on to future generations. The condition of this heritage contributes significantly to the region’s tourist attractiveness and competitive position.

Since 2010, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region has pioneered a series of partnership projects, taking on the role of lead coordinator and co-funder for initiatives aimed at monument conservation within the region. Through these partnerships, the Department of Culture and National Heritage of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Marshal’s Office coordinates and manages funding from both the region’s budget and the European Regional Development Fund, while project partners—owners of heritage sites—execute specific conservation and restoration tasks. The project includes monuments in both large towns and smaller communities, spanning eras from the Romanesque to the inter-war period, each with a unique significance to local communities.

The impact of these efforts has been acknowledged by EU institutions. In 2014, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region received special recognition in the European Union’s prestigious “Europa Nostra” awards, honoring its exceptional commitment to the preservation, protection, and promotion of cultural heritage and monuments. This recognition underlines that these preservation efforts resonate not only within Poland but throughout Europe.

In a further expression of support for preservation efforts, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Marshal introduced the “Hereditas Saeculorum” Medal in 2012. This medal recognizes outstanding conservation and restoration work in our regional monuments, promoting best practices and celebrating exemplary achievements in monument preservation.

The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region is also ethnographically diverse, comprising seven regions: Kujawy, Chełmno Land, Dobrzyń Land, Pałuki and Krajna, the Tuchola Forest, and Kociewie. In 2015, the region formalised a partnership with the Maria Znamierowska-Prüfferowa Ethnographic Museum in Toruń, with the aim of coordinating efforts to protect intangible heritage.  A notable outcome of this collaboration is the educational portal ut.etnomuzeum.pl, which is regularly enriched with new entries documenting “ephemeral traditions” cherished in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region. Reflecting the region’s dedication to the preserving intangible cultural heritage, a significant achievement was the inclusion of the Kujawy tradition of “Walking with the Goat” – a custom involving house visits by masked groups at the end of the carnival season – on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage on 30 December 2020.

Major initiatives managed by the Department of Culture and National Heritage

1) Supervision of the Regional Cultural Institutions

The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region manages 17 cultural institutions, offering a diverse range of cultural programs and events:

These institutions contribute to the region’s vibrant cultural life, supporting art, music, theater, literature, and heritage preservation.

Ignacy Jan Paderewski Pomeranian Philharmonic in Bydgoszcz

The Pomeranian Philharmonic in Bydgoszcz is renowned worldwide for its exceptional acoustics. One of the first performers to grace its stage was Artur Rubinstein, who has been the patron of the concert hall since his visit to Bydgoszcz in 1960.

The Pomeranian Philharmonic is a cultural institution of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, co-managed by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. It is considered one of the leading musical institutions in Poland.

Our artistic activities include symphonic concerts, chamber music performances, and recitals by some of the greatest virtuosos from around the globe, as well as numerous educational events.

The Philharmonic hosts two resident artistic ensembles: the Symphony Orchestra and the Capella Bydgostiensis Chamber Orchestra. Both ensembles are internationally recognized and regularly perform in Poland and abroad. They have also premiered works, including pieces specifically composed for them by renowned composers such as Krzysztof Penderecki, Henryk Mikołaj Górecki, Wojciech Kilar, Bogusław Schaeffer, Romuald Twardowski, and Krzysztof Herdzin.

The concert hall has a seating capacity of 850. The stage, which accommodates the orchestra and choir, features 47 mechanical organ voices built by Rieger-Kloss from Krnov (Czech Republic). The Philharmonic also includes a chamber hall and a main foyer, both with 170 seats.

Visitors can admire a rich collection of sculptural portraits in bronze of famous composers and virtuosos, as well as unique tapestries woven specifically for the Philharmonic. A significant feature of the collection is the tapestry series “Lenten Quartet” by Tadeusz Brzozowski, one of Poland’s foremost colorists, along with the Tadeusz Brzozowski Collection of Contemporary Polish Painting and Graphics. This collection, created between 1986 and 1988, includes works by artists such as Zdzisław Beksiński, Jerzy Nowosielski, and Jan Tarasin.

The excellent acoustic conditions of the concert hall are utilized for recordings. CDs recorded here have repeatedly received awards from both the Polish and international music industries. It was also the site of the first Polish audiophile disc, coated in 24-karat gold. The Pomeranian Philharmonic building hosts numerous congresses and symposia organized by universities, banks, large corporations, and companies. In its splendid interiors, artists, politicians, business leaders, and intellectual elites convene.

The builder and first director of the Pomeranian Philharmonic from 1951 to 1990 was Andrzej Szwalbe. From 1991 to 2015, the role of director was held by Eleonora Harendarska, and since September 2015, the institution has been directed by Maciej Puto. Since 2002, Cezary Nelkowski has served as deputy director.

Ignacy Jan Paderewski Pomeranian Philharmonic official website

Children’s Art Gallery and Centre of Creativity in Toruń

Children’s Art Gallery and Centre of Creativity in Toruń has a vibrant history of over 60 years dedicated to enriching the field of visual arts education, nurturing intelligent, active, and sensitive audiences for art. The Gallery’s activities have become a permanent fixture in the calendar of cultural events with an international reach. Our students have received numerous awards in art competitions both nationally and internationally.

In recognition of its contributions to children’s and youth education, the Gallery was awarded the Prime Minister’s Award in 1980, the President of the Republic of Poland’s “Art for the Young” Award in 2003, and in 2024, it received the Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis medal. Over the past 60 years, many talented artists and dedicated educators have collaborated with us, dedicating their time and experience to the artistic education of children and youth.

On May 23, 2024, the Children’s Art Gallery and Centre of Creativity in Toruń celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Children’s Art Gallery and Centre of Creativity official website

 “Wozownia” Art Gallery in Toruń

The Wozownia Art Gallery has been in existence since 1950. From 1950 to 1961, the Toruń Gallery operated as a Delegation in Toruń of the CBWA branch in Bydgoszcz, later becoming a Delegation of the Bureau of Artistic Exhibitions in Bydgoszcz from 1962 to 1975. On January 1, 1976, it became the Bureau of Artistic Exhibitions in Toruń with its own charter. In 1992, the Gallery was renamed the State Gallery of Art “Wozownia.” The current charter and name of the Wozownia Art Gallery in Toruń have been in effect since 2009.

Since the gallery was established, it has hosted author meetings, art classes for children and youth, competitions, and polls. Various forms of educational activities include:

• Art Knowledge Tournament: Held from 1976 to 1981.
• Lectures on Art History: Conducted from 1993 to 1995 by Ryszard Depta, with earlier contributions from Janusz Bogucki, Bożena Kowalska, Danuta Wróblewska, and Bogusław Mansfeld.
• Outdoor Events and Similar Activities: Such as street exhibitions of “Toruń Art” in 1978 and 1979 and painting workshops titled “Image and Metaphor” in Górzno, led by commissioner Jan Pręgowski.
• Contemporary Art Auctions: The first auction of contemporary art in Toruń took place on November 19, 1989, to benefit the Fund for Supporting Social and Economic Initiatives of Prime Minister Tadeusz Mazowiecki.
• Publishing Activities: Including posters, catalogs (sometimes even albums), and brochures.

After the year 2000, the gallery significantly expanded the levels and forms of interaction with art through various organized workshops, meetings, lectures, and promotional events.

The Gallery currently showcases works by well-known artists, but its primary focus is on exhibiting emerging talents. This commitment sets the Toruń Gallery apart as a distinct and unique space on the national art scene. The Gallery does not reinforce the existing hierarchy that has already been established; it does not rely on a predetermined pool of artists but actively seeks out new voices. In other words, it prioritizes promotion and experimentation.

“Wozownia” Art Gallery official website

Archaeological Museum in Biskupin

The Archaeological Museum in Biskupin manages one of Europe’s largest archaeological reserves. This site preserves traces of settlements dating from the Stone Age to the early Middle Ages, including remains of a defensive settlement from the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. These wooden structures, exceptionally well-preserved, were dubbed the “Polish Pompeii” in the 1930s. The museum is particularly inviting to visitors in the spring and summer seasons.

Since 1994, the peninsula around Lake Biskupin and its surroundings have been recognized as a National Historic Monument, ranking it among Poland’s most valuable heritage areas. Established in 1950 under the Institute for Slavic Antiquities and the Ministry of Education, the museum became an independent cultural institution in 2000, administered by the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region. In 2006, Biskupin Museum received the prestigious “Europa Nostra” award from the European Union for its cultural preservation efforts. It is also a member of the International Association of Open-Air Museums and Experimental Archaeology, which promotes high research standards and knowledge sharing.

The museum spans an impressive 30-hectare archaeological reserve featuring reconstructions from four historical periods, an exhibition pavilion, a farm with animals, and crop fields. Exhibits such as the “Hunter-Gatherer Camp” and “First Farmers’ Settlement” depict two distinct Stone Age communities, while the “Defensive Settlement of the Lusatian Culture” recreates life from 2,700 years ago, when Europe was undergoing significant societal shifts. Other exhibits, like “Box Graves of the Pomeranian Culture,” illustrate religious practices around 500 BCE, and the “Early Piast Village” reflects the lives of farmers and artisans from the dawn of Polish statehood.

The museum prioritizes preserving local heritage while educating and promoting archaeology and history. Following a “living science” approach, educators conduct workshops, museum lessons, and demonstrations for children, youth, and adults, covering topics from ancient prehistory to medieval reenactments. Expanding its educational outreach, the museum offers permanent exhibitions on the prehistory of the Lake Biskupin area, the history of research in the reserve, and temporary exhibits displaying artifacts from both Polish and international collections. In 2019, the museum will highlight the 85th anniversary of archaeological excavations in Biskupin through special exhibitions.

The museum also hosts various events, such as the new “Journeys Through Time” series in 2019, where historical reenactors bring guests back to the Stone, Bronze, Iron Ages, and the medieval period over three weekends. Another new addition, the “Paths of Archaeology” festival, in collaboration with universities, museums, and contemporary artists from across Poland, celebrates archaeology as both a science and a cultural inspiration. The Archaeological Festival, held annually since 1995, is the museum’s most significant event. For nine days each September, the reserve comes alive with hundreds of reenactors, warriors, and scholars engaging thousands of visitors through battles, demonstrations, and interactive presentations. The festival has twice received the “Discoverer” tourism award from the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region’s Marshal, the most recent in 2018. In 2019, the festival will commemorate its 25th anniversary.

The Archaeological Museum in Biskupin welcomes guests year-round, offering various activities such as individual or guided tours, educational sessions for organized groups, historical reenactments, and boat rides on Lake Biskupin during the summer (May through September).

Additionally, the museum offers lodging at the “Museum House” for organized groups and individual guests:

– 45 accommodation spots,

– a dining area for 45 people (with an additional room for 20),

– a conference hall for up to 90 attendees.

Archaeological Museum in Biskupin official website

Professor Maria Znamierowska-Prüffer Ethnographic Museum in Toruń

The Professor Maria Znamierowska-Prüffer Ethnographic Museum in Toruń focuses on various aspects of Polish folk culture. Visitors can explore the exhibition “Tajemnice codzienności…” (“Secrets of Everyday Life”), which engagingly narrates rural life from 1850 to 1950, as well as the Park Etnograficzny, featuring wooden architectural monuments from nearby ethnographic regions.

The museum offers a rich educational program for various age groups, including children, youth, adults, and seniors. It organizes concerts of folk music from Poland and abroad, as well as fairs showcasing folk art.

Founded by Prof. Maria Znamierowska-Prüfferowa, who served as its first long-term director, the museum has borne her name since December 15, 1999. It is one of three independent ethnographic museums in Poland and operates as a self-governing cultural institution under the Museum Act of November 21, 1996, with the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region as its organizer. The museum is listed in the State Register of Museums.

The primary mission of the museum includes collecting, scientifically processing, preserving, conserving, and making cultural goods accessible. It also gathers documentary materials related to ethnology and related sciences, engages in educational and publishing activities, and collaborates with organizations sharing similar goals. The scope of the museum’s activities extends throughout Poland, with a particular focus on the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region.

Professor Maria Znamierowska-Prüffer Ethnographic Museum in Toruń is funded by the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Self-Government

Professor Maria Znamierowska-Prüffer Ethnographic Museum official website

The Museum of the Kujawy and Dobrzyń Lands in Włocławek 

The Museum of the Kujawy and Dobrzyń Lands in Włocławek is one of the oldest museums in Poland, established on June 2, 1908, by the Kujawy Branch of the Polish Tourism Society. It officially opened its doors on March 14, 1909. The initial collections were based on exhibits from the Museum of the Polish Educational Society and a collection deposited by the Society of the Library and Reading Room of Adam Mickiewicz in Włocławek.

In January 1910, a committee was formed to organize the Ethnographic and Artistic Exhibition, which aimed to gather folk culture artifacts for a model reconstruction of a Kujawy cottage. This exhibition opened on May 14, 1911, showcasing 887 exhibits, coordinated by curator Cyprian Apanowicz.

Due to limited space and the increasing number of artifacts, a committee was established in 1925 to build a new museum building. This structure, located at Słowackiego 1a, opened on December 7, 1930. The opening was marked by the publication of the first museum guide by curator Szymon Rajca. Up until 1939, alongside the permanent ethnographic exhibition, the museum hosted several temporary exhibitions, primarily of an artistic nature. Most of the artifacts collected during this period were lost during the Nazi occupation.

After World War II, the museum resumed operations and worked diligently to replenish its losses. Under the leadership of Henryka Królikowska (1945-1965), the museum not only regained its pre-war standing but also laid the groundwork for dynamic growth. Until 1972, the museum was located solely in the main building on Słowackiego Street. Królikowska’s initiative led to the acquisition of 18th-century tenement houses in the Old Market Square, which opened as the Museum of the History of Włocławek in 1972.

In 1975, due to administrative reorganization, the museum was transformed into the The Museum of the Kujawy and Dobrzyń Lands, encompassing the newly established Włocławskie Region.

The 1980s saw further expansion, including the opening of the Stanisław Noakowski Museum in Nieszawa, a branch of the main museum. The rapid increase in collections necessitated new storage and exhibition spaces for the ethnography and art departments. This led to the restoration and adaptation of three historic granaries in Włocławek. In 1986, the Ethnographic Museum opened in a granary on Bulwary Street, while the largest granary on Zamcza Street was converted into the Art Collections building, inaugurated on March 14, 1989, marking the museum’s 80th anniversary.

To preserve historic rural architecture, the Kujawsko-Dobrzyński Ethnographic Park was established in Kłóbka near Lubień in 1993, after years of work, and has been continuously expanded to eventually include 40 structures typical of the rural architecture of Kujawy and Dobrzyń Land.

The Museum of the Kujawy and Dobrzyń Region in Włocławek official website

 Opera “NOVA” in Bydgoszcz

OPERA NOVA w Bydgoszczy, the largest artistic institution in the Kujawy and Pomorze region, one of the greatest and the most beautifully located Polish opera theatres.

The repertoire of the Opera Nova includes almost 40 operas, classical and modern ballets, operettas and musicals. This is a theatre which, along with the opera canon, presented and still presents the works rarely seen on the Polish stages: “Mefistofele” by Boito, “Manru” by Paderewski, “Rusalka” by Dvořak, “La Gioconda” by Ponchielli, the drama legend “La Damnation de Faust” by Berlioz, “Lakmé” by Delibes, “Falstaff” by Verdi or “Sunset Boulevard” by Webber.

The outstanding Polish directors accepted the invitation to produce the performances in the Opera Nova: Maciej Prus, Ryszard Peryt, Krzysztof Nazar, Laco Adamik, Wojciech Adamczyk.

The Opera Nova ballet company offers the classical ballet works in its repertoire: “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky, “Cinderella” and “Romeo and Juliet” by Prokofiev, “Midsummer’s Night Dream” by Mendelssohn-Bartholody, as well as the moving works of modern ballet: “Fascinations”, “Whispers and Shadows”, “The Captive Mind”, “Stabat Mater/Harnasie”, “Alice in Wonderland” which was created for the music of the 20th century composers. The ballet company co-operated with the renowned producers: Jorma Elo, Paul Chalmer, Jacek Przybyłowicz or Robert Bondara.

A particular achievement of the Opera Nova companies is the music productions on DVD and Blu-ray: the opera performance of “Manru” by Ignacy Jan Paderewski, registered for the first time in the DVD technique in the world’s phonographic history and acknowledged with the prestigious award “L’Orphée d’Or” by l’Accademie du Disque Lyrique; the opera performance “Rusalka” by Antonin Dvořak, issued to celebrate the 60th artistic season of the Bydgoszcz Opera (2016/2017); the opera performance “Halka” by Stanisław Moniuszko, issued on the occasion of Moniuszko’s Year in 2019 as well as the ballet “The Captive Mind” choreographed by Robert Bondara with the music by Philip Glass and Wojciech Kilar (2020).

Since 1994, the Opera Nova has been organizing the yearly Bydgoski Festiwal Operowy (Bydgoszcz Opera Festival) – an international event with the versatile programme form which gives the opportunity to present remarkable opera, musical or ballet performances. The festival’s first editions took place in an unfinished, severe opera building. In time, the festival has become the largest event of this type in the country as well as the great promotion of the music theatre. It also led to a breakthrough moment for the functioning Bydgoszcz opera stage since 1956  – it significantly expedited the completion of building the new premises for the Opera. At the same time, the audience has been given a chance to admire many prestigious foreign companies from Europe, America and Asia: the Belgian Royal Ballet of Flanders, Korea National Ballet Company, Swedish Cullberg Ballet, French Ballet du Capitole de Toulouse, Danza Contemporanea de Cuba, Béjart Ballet Lausanne, The Shanghai Ballet, National Theatre Brno, Nationaltheater Mannheim, Latvian National Opera, National Opera of Ukraine, Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, Lviv National Opera and Ballet, The Moscow Chamber Opera, Sofia Ivan Vazov National Theatre. The festival events hosted the performances of the world-famous stars: Ko Seng Hyoun, Simone Kermes and the companies specializing in performing the music dated back from 1600: “Combattimento Consort Amsterdam” and “La Folia”.

Nowadays, the Opera Nova building is one of the best equipped Polish theatre objects. In the upcoming years, the building will be enlarged by the “fourth circle”, in which additional halls (chamber and cinema) as well as wide foyer with a wonderful view on Wyspa Młyńska (Mill’s Island) and two-level parking lot will be located. The overall Opera Nova building will become an effective and modern architectural piece located in the very city centre of Bydgoszcz directly at the charming  bend of the Brda river.

Opera “NOVA” official website

The Chopin Center in Szafarnia

The Chopin Centre in Szafarnia is a cultural institution of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, established to commemorate the young Fryderyk Chopin’s stay in our town in 1824 and 1825. However, it is not merely a place for preserving memories and old memorabilia; it is a creative space for developing the talents of a new generation of pianists. If Chopin’s genius matured here in Szafarnia, and his time with us significantly influenced many of his compositions, how can it not continue to inspire and impart similar inspirations today? On the musical map of Poland, our institution is renowned primarily for its commitment to young talents, who often gain their first international experience and life-changing opportunities to meet some of the world’s best pianists and masters.

The Chopin Center primarily engages in concert and exhibition activities. Regular concerts, attracting both loyal attendees and a steadily growing number of new music enthusiasts, are held at least several times a month in an intimate atmosphere, on Saturdays or Sundays at 5:00 PM.

Renowned artists from Poland and abroad perform on the stage of the Chopin Center, where audiences can enjoy not only Chopin’s works but also those of other masters of musical literature. The repertoire in Szafarnia includes both classical music and jazz interpretations, cabaret, entertainment, and folk music.

Another main focus of our institution is musical and cultural education. Chopin Center organizes lectures for children and adults, workshops or masterclasses, piano competitions, recitation contests, quizzes about Fryderyk Chopin, as well as photographic and painting exhibitions, theater performances, and many other activities.

The Chopin Center official website

Lubostroń Palace in Lubostroń

Lubostroń Palace is a unique place where the past merges with the present, and cultural wealth becomes an inexhaustible source of inspiration. As a cultural center, it opens its doors to artists, historians, educators, and anyone seeking ideas and inspiration from both history and contemporary times. The activities of the Cultural Institution Lubostroń Palace focus on promoting knowledge about history, art, and culture, as well as supporting initiatives that bring together people from various backgrounds.

The mission of the Cultural Institution Lubostroń Palace is to protect and promote the rich heritage of the Lubostroń Palace and the Skórzewski family. The palace and park complex aims to be a meeting place for passionate individuals, inspiring them to explore monuments, art, and history. The goals of the Cultural Institution Lubostroń Palace include:

• Preserving and restoring the historic palace and park complex.
• Organizing cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions, educational workshops, and literary meetings.
• Educating and promoting the cultural heritage of the region.

Lubostroń Palace official website

Wilam Horzyca Theatre in Toruń

The building of the Theatre in Toruń was established in 1904. For 16 years, it was exclusively a German stage. In 1920, a professional Polish troupe took over the theatre. The opening of the National Theatre in Toruń took place on November 28, 1920. In the presence of Prime Minister Wincenty Witos, the first performance of “The Revenge” by Aleksander Fredro was directed by Franciszek Frączkowski. The theatre’s ambition became the realization of the greatest works of Polish classical drama, which is why the repertoire includes plays by Mickiewicz, Wyspiański, and Krasiński.

During the occupation, the theatre building in Toruń was a venue for German opera and operetta performances. The Polish Theatre resumed its activities in June 1945. The most prominent creative figure of the post-war period was Wilam Horzyca, one of the greatest Polish directors and theatre reformers. His productions of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet, as well as Norwid’s Behind the Scenes, have become an integral part of Polish theatre history. Another important figure in the theatre was the director Hugon Moryciński, the creator of the oldest Polish theatre festival, the Festival of Northern Polish Theatres. From 1976 to 1983 Marek Okopiński was the director of the theatre. His seven-year tenure was marked by a significant inclusion of contemporary Polish plays in the theatre’s repertoire, including works by Mrożek, Gombrowicz, Różewicz and Witkacy.

From 1983 to 1996, Krystyna Meissner was the director and artistic director of the Wilam Horzyca Theatre. During her tenure, the teamwork of all creators was highly valued. Like her predecessor, she focused on contemporary drama. Among the most important productions during her time in Toruń were “Balladyna” by Juliusz Słowacki (1984) and “Twilight” by Izaak Babel (1987). Under Krystyna Meissner’s leadership, the Propozycja Stage was established, which allowed actors to submit and produce their own stage proposals, which could later be included in the repertoire. Another innovation was the relatively regular creation of performances in venues outside the theatre. The Toruń Stage in this period was characterised by its openness to young, promising creators. In 1989 Piotr Cieplak made his debut with one-act plays by Fredro, and in 1994 Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” was staged by Krzysztof Warlikowski. In 1991, Meissner established the pioneering International Theatre Festival Kontakt, which connected the long-separated East and West, for which she received the Paszport Polityki award. In January 1994, the Backstage Stage was opened. The first premiere on the new stage, which accommodates about 110 spectators, was “The Revenge” by Fredro, directed by Meissner herself.

From 1997 to 2015, Jadwiga Oleradzka was the general director of the Theatre in Toruń, with Andrzej Bubień (1997 – September 2006) and Iwona Kempa (October 2006 – November 2012) as artistic directors. From December 2012 to August 2017, Bartosz Zaczykiewicz was Deputy Director for Artistic Affairs. Jadwiga Oleradzka took over the organisation of the Kontakt Festival and introduced innovations such as selecting themes for subsequent editions and inviting award-winning directors to collaborate with the Toruń team. The festival hosted renowned European directors such as Christoph Marthaler, Peter Brook, Eimuntas Nekrošius, Kornél Mundruczó, Alain Platel, Luk Perceval, Thomas Ostermeier and Ivo van Hove. In order to meet Kontakt’s growing financial needs, she decided to organise it every two years, alternating with the debutant festival First Contact, which has been running since 2011 and showcases acting and directing debuts.

From September 2017 to August 2021, the general director was Andrzej Churski, and Paweł Paszta served as deputy director for artistic affairs. Since September 2021, Renata Derejczyk has been the General Director and Łukasz Czuj the Deputy Director for Artistic Affairs. The excellent and stable ensemble of actors, built up over the years, guarantees productions of the highest quality. The performances of the Wilam Horzyca Theatre in Toruń are presented at numerous national and international festivals. Thanks to its rich repertoire and productions, as well as its openness, the Toruń Theatre occupies an important place on the Polish theatre map. Since 1991, the Wilam Horzyca Theatre has been the organiser of the Kontakt International Theatre Festival, which brings theatre performances from all over the world to Toruń during the last week of May each year from around the world during the last week of May each year in Toruń.

Wilam Horzyca Theatre official website

Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Public Library and Copernicus Library in Toruń

The Copernicus Library was founded on 19 February 1923 (the collection was opened on 10 December) and is the oldest Polish scientific library in Pomerania. Initially, the library’s collection consisted of 100,000 volumes. Since 1973, the library has been located at 8 Słowackiego Street, and since 26 April 2002, it has had its current name.

In May 2018, the library opened the first multimedia library in Toruń, which quickly became an incredibly popular meeting place and hub for social activities. Every week it organises a series of cultural events for adults, young people and children, including workshops, integration activities, exhibitions, author meetings and popular science lectures. The library has a games room with Xbox and PlayStation consoles and a fully equipped conference room. The multimedia collection contains tens of thousands of titles. In addition to printed books, audio books are also available. Users have free access to online reading rooms such as IBUK-Libra and Legimi.

The Copernicus Library carries out various initiatives to promote reading and literary culture. It is involved in cultural and popular science activities and the dissemination of historical knowledge. All these efforts are based on books. Among the most notable events are the “Toruń Evenings” (organised in cooperation with the Toruń Lovers’ Association), a series of lectures entitled “Podgórz from the Past”, meetings entitled “Toruń, the City of Monuments”, and a conference entitled “Toruń Monuments for the Younger Generation”. Every year it takes part in the Night of Libraries, the Bydgoskie Przedmieście Festival, the National Reading, the Toruń Book Festival and the Science and Art Festival. It organises dozens of commemorative and anniversary events. Initiatives aimed at activating families and senior citizens have been particularly successful. The library has successfully developed the only public board-game lending service in Toruń and is constantly exploring new fields and areas of activity.

The library has 14 branches in Toruń, located on the following streets Jęczmienna, Kościuszki, Mickiewicza, Poznańska, Lubicka, Lelewela, Okólna, Rzepakowa, Konstytucji 3 Maja, Żwirki i Wigury, Fałata, Św. Józefa, Łyskowskiego and Raszeja. This year the Library plans to renovate the building of the Reading Centre for the Sick and Disabled on Szczytna Street. The project includes work on the roof and façade to prevent deterioration of the roof elements and leaks in the wall plaster.

The Copernicus Library in figures:

• 640,000 books
• 104,000 periodicals
• 65,000 special volumes
• 26,000 old books – one of the most valuable collections in Poland

Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Public Library and Copernicus Library in Toruń

Dr Witold Bełza Regional and Municipal Public Library in Bydgoszcz 

Dr Witold Bełza Regional and Municipal Public Library in Bydgoszcz has been operating since 1 October 1903, making it the oldest and most historically rich library in Bydgoszcz. The origins of the library can be traced back to the collections of the historian Fryderyk Raumer and the editor Henryk Kruse, as well as the holdings of German scientific societies, especially the Historical Society for the Noteć District.

The first Polish director of the institution was Dr Witold Bełza, who took up his post in 1920. He initiated the process of polonisation and contributed significantly to the expansion of the library’s resources. During this period the Library acquired a valuable collection from the Bernardine Library in Bydgoszcz dating from the end of the 15th century (1,374 volumes, including 97 incunabula and a unique pamphlet by Hieronymus Savonarola) and manuscripts from the Kazimierz Kierski collection (670 items, including 435 royal documents).

During the inter-war period, the Library was an important cultural centre, hosting various scientific societies, lectures and meetings. It also housed the editorial office of the “Przegląd Bydgoski” (1933-1938) and was the seat of the Universal University.

During the occupation, the library’s collection was moved to a damp building and was no longer accessible to the public. Some Polish-language literature was destroyed, but many of these works were saved by Polish librarians working in the storerooms. In addition, royal documents were saved by Michał Nycz, who transported the materials to a safe place and paid the ultimate price for his efforts. To protect the books from the German evacuation (1942-1944), some were hidden in the Municipal Museum and in the basements of primary schools in the suburbs of Bydgoszcz. After the war, the losses were estimated at 20% of the entire collection.

The process of replenishing and expanding the library’s resources began in the subsequent years. The institution developed its structure, including a network of city branches, and in 1968 it gained scientific status. Today, the collection of the Dr Witold Bełza Regional and City Public Library in Bydgoszcz comprises 869,133 volumes.

Dr. Witold Bełza Regional and Municipal Public Library official website

Regional Center for Cultural Animation in Toruń

WOAK – The Regional Center for Cultural Animation in Toruń is primarily associated with the organization of Confrontations of Amateur Artistic Creativity of the Region, popularly known as KATAR, during which amateur artists from the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region present their skills in music, film, photography and theater. However, this is only a small part of WOAK’s activities, which reach 10,000 residents of the region. During the ongoing carnival season, the center invites the public to rent costumes, available in the costume shop.

The Regional Center for Cultural Animation, established in 1975, offers artistic and educational activities in film, music, theater, photography, circus arts and cultural marketing aimed at both children and adults. Under its wings, members of the Copernicus men’s choir, the brass band, the Cool Kids circus, the handicrafts group Klub Supełek, the art section of Toruń’s University of the Third Age and senior citizens affiliated with the Senior Activation Center meet several times each week to practice. They present their work during performances throughout the region and beyond.

An extremely valuable initiative of WOAK is the Cultural Education Program for fifth-grade students of elementary schools from small towns in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region. The aim of the project is to include children from rural schools in the cultural circuit and prepare them for conscious and active reception of contemporary culture. About 150 students participate in each edition of the project.

There are many more of the center’s projects aimed at the province’s residents. Thanks to the ingenuity, resourcefulness and commitment of WOAK staff, in recent years it has been possible to obtain dozens of grants and subsidies from state and provincial funds for the implementation of a number of cultural, social and educational projects, reaching hundreds of residents of the region.

WOAK’s mission is to support the development of culture in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region and nurture the region’s intangible heritage. The Regional Center for Cultural Animation in Toruń is a self-governing cultural institution run by the Marshal’s Office of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region.

What WOAK does:

• networks cultural institutions,
• supports people working in culture to improve their competence and care for their own well-being,
• supports non-professional male and female artists in their development,
• integrates artistic circles related to various fields of art,
• nurtures the sense of identity of the male and female residents of our province by telling the local story.

The Regional Center for Cultural Animation in Torun operates throughout the province and for all its residents. If you want to check out what WOAK is doing in the near future go to www.woak.pl

75-77 Kościuszki St.

+48 56 652 27 55

woak@woak.torun.pl

Regional Center for Cultural Animation official website

Kujawsko-Pomorskie Culture Center in Bydgoszcz

The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Cultural Center in Bydgoszcz has been in existence since 1954. It is an institution funded by the budget of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region. Over time, the role and tasks carried out by the KPCK have evolved, yet they have always encompassed both professional and amateur spheres of cultural activity. Today, operating within the framework of a market economy, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Cultural Center in Bydgoszcz collaborates with other cultural institutions, non-governmental organizations, and businesses, undertaking a range of activities in management and cultural promotion. The institution is active in the fields of music, dance, literature, theater, and folk art. The facility is adapted to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Event Organization
The main activities include organizing events at the regional and national level, held at the KPCK headquarters as well as cultural centers in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region  and in outdoor settings. These events include the Word Tournament titled “Word as a Source of Inspiration,” the Provincial Meeting of Folk Ritual Theaters, the “Theater Without Borders” Children’s Theater Confrontations, the National Recitation Competition (city, regional, and provincial eliminations), the National Literary Generations Meetings, the St. John’s Fair, the National Review of Unique Amateur Fabrics, the Theophil Ociepko Painting Competition, the National Review of Artistic Senior Movement ARS, the Provincial Historical Competition “Monuments of Our Region,” the National Photography Competition “Portrait with a Monument in the Background,” and History Meetings at Hoffmann’s.

Education
Equally important is the educational and instructional-methodological activity carried out through the organization of workshops, training sessions, and scientific conferences. The Intergenerational Integration Workshop runs the Kujawski University of the Third Age and the Academy of All Arts. There is also a program aimed at youth (ages 13-17) called the Youth Academy of Creativity.

Kujawsko-Pomorskie Cultural Center in Bydgoszcz also conducts open lectures, presentations, and discussions on the history of the region—covering historical buildings, locations, and socio-cultural life.

The Hoffmann Salon is also a venue for numerous literary author meetings and gatherings with recognized public figures, artists, and scientists.

Publications and Art Sales
Through the Folk and Non-Professional Art Gallery, Kujawsko-Pomorskie Cultural Center in Bydgoszcz promotes local creators—organizing exhibitions in the Hoffmann Salon and selling unique handmade products (including sculptures, paintings, embroidery, ceramics, and toys).

For over 25 years, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Cultural Center in Bydgoszcz published “Artistic Quarterly. Kujawy and Pomorze”—a magazine dedicated to literature and art, featuring works by eminent creators such as Julia Hartwig, Tadeusz Różewicz, Ryszard Krynicki, Stefan Chwin, Wisława Szymborska, and Czesław Miłosz. We also publish the periodical “Materials for the History of Culture and Art in Bydgoszcz and the Region,” as well as guides and popular science books.

Therapeutic activities
The KPCK also runs an occupational therapy workshop. This supports therapy for people with disabilities through their involvement in art. The head office is located at Toruńska Street in Bydgoszcz.

In 1995 we established the Cultural Information Centre. As a result of collecting data on events for several decades, in 2016 the “Culture Within Reach” portal was launched. It serves as a source of information on cultural activities and is the largest database of events organised in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region.

Kujawsko-Pomorskie Cultural Center in Bydgoszcz official website

Kujawsko-Pomorskie Music Theater in Toruń

The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Musical Theater was founded in 2013 and began operating in January 2014. The first premiere – The Parry Sisters musical performance – took place on June 13, 2014.

The theater not only produces its own musical performances for children and adults, but also organizes concerts, recitals, exhibitions and art workshops for young people. The theater is located in the Dąmbski Palace in Toruń (ul. Żeglarska 8) – the residence of the Dąmbski family. It was rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1693. By the bishop of Kujawy Stanisław Dąmbski. The building remained in the hands of the Dąmbski family until the end of the 18th century, serving as a holiday residence during summer fairs and winter carnival. Today it is one of the few surviving examples of baroque style décor in Toruń.

Amazing historical place, intimate atmosphere and lots of good music – you will definitely find it at the Musical Theater in Toruń! Check our repertoire and visit us!

So far, the Musical Theater has produced over 25 performances. Performances for children are popular – Pan Kleks. Powrót, Gra warta piernika, czyli Maurycy i kolędnicy, Tajemnica Tomka Sawyera. In 2019, there were 2 premieres – Dzień, w którym porwano papieża (comedy) and Niebezpieczna gra (thriller). After returning to the renovated headquarters, in 2020 the Theater is planning further premieres and the fifth edition of the Przygrywka festival.

Kujawsko-Pomorskie Music Theater in Toruń official website

Kujawsko-Pomorskie Heritage Center in Toruń

In 2021, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Heritage Center was established in Toruń. The primary goal of the institution is to study and promote both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Kujawy and Pomorze region, as well as to create mechanisms that strengthen local identity based on local distinctiveness. The activities undertaken by the Center aim primarily to enhance social bonds, increase cultural awareness, and foster residents’ identification with the region.

In carrying out its statutory activities, we collaborate with entities in the public sector, including cultural institutions, educational facilities, and scientific and research organizations, as well as non-governmental organizations, media, and other entities engaged in cultural activities.

Main duties:

• Restoration of the historical, architectural and natural values of the palace and park complex in Nawra, where the Sczaniecki Family Museum will be established. The museum is intended to be a place for cultivating the rich traditions, history and achievements of the aristocratic families of the Kujawy and Pomorze regions. It is also intended to promote the material and immaterial heritage of rural culture.
• Initiating, organising and coordinating, in cooperation with local authorities, cultural institutions and social organisations, projects aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of Kujawy and Pomorze’s cultural heritage.
• Inspiration and establishment of guidelines and programmes for activities in relation to places, sites and spaces of significant importance for the region’s diverse cultural heritage, including The Palace and Park Complex in Nawra, the Cultural Park in Wietrzychowice, the Piast Settlement and Sacral Complex in Kałdus, the Palace and Park Complex in Warszewice, the Graduation Tower and Brine System in Ciechocinek, as well as the sites associated with Fryderyk Chopin and his family.
• Support and initiation of efforts for the creation of a tourist offer based on the cultural heritage resources of the region.
• Organising workshops, lectures and presentations on the history of the area and its traditions, customs and rites.
• Organisation of exhibition activities.
• Promoting the region’s cultural heritage through publicity, publications and documentation.

Kujawsko-Pomorskie Heritage Center in Toruń official website

Kujawsko-Pomorskie Center for Education and Innovation in Toruń

For years, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region has been developing a concept of environmental centres dedicated to the promotion of education, science and culture. The idea is to create an environment for young people that will allow them to move freely in the world of modern technologies, which will have a direct impact on their choices of specific career paths.

With the establishment of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Centre for Education and Innovation in Toruń, this idea is coming to fruition. Through its branches in Grudziądz, Włocławek and Inowrocław, the centre plans to create a kind of “educational and cultural pathway” that will be unique in the region and the country. These locations will form a kind of constellation of particular significance for the region, characterised by access to modern, innovative institutions and practical knowledge transfer that will encourage the development of passions. Knowledge should come almost imperceptibly and stay for a long time, arousing curiosity about the world. This will serve as a starting point for further education – at all levels and for people of all ages.

In April 2024, the Astronomy Education Centre (CEA) Programme Council was established in Toruń.

The Council serves as an advisory body to the Director of the CEA and aims to review and support specific directions of the CEA’s activities.

The responsibilities of the Programme Council include:

• Supporting the operational directions of each CEA;
• Reviewing the ongoing implementation of projects and tasks;
• Approving the Council’s Rules of Procedure and any amendments thereto;
• Election and dismissal of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Programme Council for the Centres;
• Establishing working groups within the CEA;
• Monitoring the progress of the implementation of the Programme, evaluating its effectiveness and taking strategic decisions on the further development of the activities.

Kujawsko-Pomorskie Center for Education and Innovation in Toruń

2) Artistic and Cultural Endeavours Scholarship Programme

As part of its commitment to supporting artistic and cultural development, the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Self-Government encourages individual creativity and innovation in various artistic disciplines, including music, visual arts, theatre, film, literature, heritage conservation and dance. To further encourage a vibrant cultural community, the Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Artists’ Grant is awarded twice a year, with individual grants of up to PLN 12,000.

3) Grants for Non-Governmental Organizations in the field of culture, art, and heritage preservation

Grants are awarded through open competition to non-governmental organisations and other entities listed in Article 3, Section 3 of the Law on Public Benefit and Voluntary Work. These grants support public initiatives in the fields of culture, art and national heritage conservation and strengthen the role of community organisations in the cultural landscape.

4) Major festivals and competitions

• Bydgoszcz Opera Festival: Held annually since 1994, this festival is the largest of its kind in Poland, showcasing outstanding performances by national and international musical theatre companies. Organised by Opera Nova in Bydgoszcz, the event reflects the region’s dedication to high quality cultural programming.

• Bydgoszcz Music Festival: This prestigious international music festival, hosted annually by the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Pomeranian Philharmonic, presents both classical and contemporary music, highlighting the region’s cultural heritage and longstanding traditions.

• KONTAKT International Theatre Festival: Since 1991, the Wilam Horzyca Theatre in Toruń has hosted this acclaimed festival, attracting a wide variety of European theatre performances. The festival programme includes visual arts exhibitions, concerts, film screenings and discussions with artists, enriching cultural dialogue and fostering international relations.

• The Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition for Children and Youth in Szafarnia: With over 30 years of tradition, this competition is a cornerstone event organised by the Chopin Centre in Szafarnia. Designed to promote young musical talent and Polish cultural heritage, it offers participants an insight into Chopin’s inspirations and musical legacy.

6) Musejon Competition – Kujawsko-Pomorskie Museum Event of the Year

Initiated by the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Executive Board in cooperation with the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Branch of the Polish Museum Association. The Musejon competition recognises excellence in museum programming across the region. It highlights projects that contribute to local and regional identity and provide audiences with interactive and educational experiences that reflect the role of the modern museum in society.

7) Marshal of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Award in honour of Prof. Stanislaw Salmonowicz

Established by a resolution of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region Parliament and supported by the Toruń’s academic community and the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Self-Government, this prestigious award is presented annually to a Polish researcher or team for outstanding scientific work in the fields of law, constitutional law, culture or modern history. The prize, worth PLN 20,000 gross, is awarded by a specially appointed committee to honour contributions that enrich Poland’s intellectual and cultural landscape.