Young Poland: Polish Art 1890–1918

In 1795, Poland lost its independence for a period of 123 years after the nation was partitioned between Russia, Prussia, and Austria. The people, who had lost their country, turned to the arts and culture as a source of identity. It was the ancient capital city of Kraków that played a significant role as a cultural centre during this period.

In the latter half of the 19th century, Jan Matejko earned fame by depicting Poland's history and cultural narratives on a grand scale. Numerous young artists emerged from his tutelage at the Kraków Academy of Fine Arts. These artists, while yearning for the independence of their homeland, intertwined their personal feelings with this desire, creating unique artistic expressions rich in symbolism and tonality across a wide range of fields. Known as the "Young Poland" movement, these artists avidly absorbed Western art of the era as well as ukiyo-e and other forms of Japanese art, while rediscovering and reinterpreting what remained of local traditional culture to explore what the national art of Poland should be. This exhibition is the first comprehensive introduction in Japan of the art created by the "Young Poland" movement, preceded by the influential work of Matejko. This exhibition is held with the full cooperation of the National Museum in Kraków and is supported by a grand from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland. It features some 130 pieces, including numerous representative paintings, prints, furniture, and textiles by Matejko and the "Young Poland" movement, gathered from several national museums, including those in Kraków and Warsaw, and many private collections. Visitors will be able to see the essence of Polish art that blossomed at the turn of the last century.

Tickets

Admission

• * Prices in parentheses ( ) are advance sale and group (20 or more people) discount prices.
• * Visitors with disability and one person accompanying them are admitted free of charge. (Please present certificate at the admission.)
• * Collection gallery is available with this ticket.
• * Advance tickets are available from January 23 to March 24.