Recently, I visited the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw (MSN) on its opening day. It promises to be an important institution of its kind in the city, a place for locals to see, debate and encounter topics that might otherwise not find space elsewhere.
Warsaw has often been a crossroads of cultures. With its Soviet past and modern evolution, I’ve seen it become a gathering place for people from neighbouring countries to discuss important topics, exchange ideas, and connect. Many Ukrainian and Belarusian people have emigrated here, hoping to find a safe space for expression. I’m glad the city now has a new room for that expression—a space dedicated to issues that are pressing, contemporary, human.
The Opening Night
After arriving, I joined the back of the queue. Following a short wait, we were allowed into the courtyard, where there were snacks, mulled wine, tea, things to keep us warm. Everyone was collected outside where the official opening talks took place.
The wait took an hour, maybe more. It was a bit chaotic, with the queue growing tense as the museum reached its capacity and paused entry. All that tension was forgotten as soon as I stepped inside. The atmosphere buzzed with people enjoying the space and exploring the floors. For the first time that evening, it felt worth the long wait.
The museum’s interior stands out: high ceilings, diffused light, and a blend of concrete and metal create an invitation to explore patterns (I wonder, are they able to change the colour temperature of the light?). I headed to the staircase which provided a beautiful look to the architecture of the open balconies on the two other floors. I quickly reached the upstairs floors to be able to see the rest of the building.
The construction is simple and robust, the elements were fitting for the space. Overall, it all looked much better on the inside. It was already night so all we could see from the windows were the dancing lights of the Palace of Culture. I looked out trying to imagine the view during the day.
People were interestingly dressed and it felt like all of Warsaw was here. I saw a man going around and performing in one of the rooms, while others used the space as a stage for their own unofficial performances. They even placed objects on the floor, pretending it was all part of the exhibition.
I made my way around the building. Few works were on display, but each floor was alive with people interacting with the art, moving around it, and taking pictures. I found a wooden corridor offering a view of the city’s southern side, with tall doors providing a good transition between rooms. It seems the architects anticipated such movements, creating intentional "points of interest" that became natural gathering spots for photographs. You can notice a repetition in the photos posted online about the space.
There were so many interesting angles to capture. It was good to be there with so many people, observing how they moved through the space and interacted with their surroundings.
Thoughtful Experiences, With Some Room for Growth
As the building grew busier, the top floor came alive with live music, while the bar and DJ downstairs added to the overall energy. Outside, there was a projection of the events, turning the museum’s wall into a reflection of what was happening inside. I liked this creative use of the plain-ish architecture, and I hope the facade will host more visual projections or art installations in the future.
Some spaces within were more hands-on, like painting on fabric or colouring wooden eggs, but unfortunately they felt like an afterthought, something that didn’t fit as much to the event’s purpose. There are for sure some things I missed while being there. A café would be a great addition, offering a spot for people to gather and rest. I also hope the museum will organise more spaces for workshops and lectures to help educate people about the topics it portrays.
It’s been open for more than a week now, welcoming visitors with events that will continue through November 10th. I hope the initial buzz carries on in the coming weeks and that everyone visiting Warsaw stops by to see what’s happening.
Final Thoughts
The MSN is a curious addition to the city’s life. I look forward to seeing how it evolves and integrates into the cultural landscape. I’m also excited to see how the surrounding space will look once the planned construction is complete, allowing the museum to blend more seamlessly with its location.
Thank you for reading.