Archives for “Art & culture” tag

Walking along Rajska street – probably hurrying to the library or parking your car to go the centre, one could notice a rather unusual building being developed. Because of its size and form, it was something that really caught your eye. Finally, not long ago, the building was declared completed.

The very recently opened Garden of Art of Lesser Poland is supposed to be a space where different kinds of art would be “cultivated” to the benefit of all age groups. Among those listed are the creation of a media library, spaces for exhibitions, concerts, auctions… In terms of administration it belongs to the Słowacki theatre, therefore one can expect that events from this field will also be organized.

Presently, the initiative is developing, therefore it is not easy to foresee how the Garden will function in a few years’ time. However, it is definitely an interesting new spot in the city. One of the most important reasons for this is its architecture. It’s really impressive – in the rather old city centre, the modern design of the Garden is original, however it’s far from being qualified as an eyesore. Not only does it fit the surroundings – it even adds value, which is rare.

It’s not far from the city centre, so if you’re walking nearby, don’t miss this original spot. By the streets benches have been installed, so you can sit down for a second and admire a well-done building, quite un-typical for this city.

It’s not yet that popular, but it has its faithful group of visitors. Located on Mostowa street, which connects Plac Wolnica and the footbridge over Wisła, it lets you escape the omnipresent crowds and enjoy a drink in a bit less visited part of town.

As the name hints, at Mostowa there are several artworks displayed (hanging on the walls, for instance), available for sale, which adds a certain charm and a new quality to the interior. Its design is quite modern, but done tastefully and doesn’t give the feeling of the space being overcrowded.

What also makes the place special are an original selection of beers, some of which are delicious, but rarely “seen” in bars, and the summer garden. When it’s warm enough, tables are put on the sidewalk, which results in a casual, slightly Mediterranean feel. If you want to meet your friends for coffee or something stronger, and you want to finally escape the main routes, Mostowa is the place to go to.

“Where can I get a drink around here?” A simple question, right? Not in Krakow.

I’ve heard that there are over 200 places to drink in and around the Main Square alone so finding the perfect spot can become quite a tedious task. The good news is that, since every place has a unique vibe and attracts a specific crowd, your perfect watering hole exists somewhere nearby, just waiting to be discovered.

If you’re an artist or posses an artistic soul you should check out Pauza. Not only is it a place to get a drink above ground (most bars are underground here) but you can go upstairs to check out their gallery or downstairs to the club to dance the night away. Did I mention the theatre? Yes, you can even catch a screening of an indie flick on the 3rd floor from time to time.

There’s plenty of liquor to choose from, but I always ask for “Barmanska”. It’s a vodka, sugar (brown or white, your choice), and lemon (or lime) concoction that always leaves me wanting more.

Piwnica pod Baranami is unique place on map of Krakow. It was opened in 1956 and is full of history, tradition but most of all full of music, artists and laugh. Since the very beginning it was like home for young artists of many different genres: writers, musicians, actors, as well as their friends and faithful audiences.

For many years in the basement was served the most renowned political cabaret in the country; and it still continues its activities, even after death of its co-founder – Piotr Skrzynecki in 1996. Also, from the 50′s, Piwnica was a center of jazz in Poland and nowadays very important event connected with this music – Summer Jazz Festival, is organized every year.

After nearly fifty years Piwnica became a legend of local eccentricity and it’s influence has been described: “It was much more than a cabaret. It was a breath of freedom and of ironic distance to the reality which surrounded us.” And this ironic distance sometimes still can be found there.

What else can you find here – great music (I’m in heaven when I hear soundtrack to Amelie movie), nice drinks and very specific (only in a positive sense) staff – like the charming bartender;)

So go there, see and feel the real, old Krakow!

Think about a place where you buy a good book, take a few steps into the next room and start reading it while enjoying the aroma of coffee. In the heart of the city center there’s Bookstore Bona, an atypical bookstore where you can not only buy a book but also order coffee or, when you get hungry while reading, some snacks (like tarta or toasts). And when it’s cold outside you can drink delicious hot wine or hot chocolate. Do you need something more to be happy?

In Bona you’ll find a good selection of belles lettres and ambitious books, a lot of foreign literature, books for kids and difficult to access album art and photography. But books and drinks is not everything what they offer.

Bona tries to actively participate in the cultural life of the city, therefore they organize meetings and discussions about literature, book promotions, exhibitions and concerts.