Poland » Entertainment in Warsaw

Warsaw has always had something of a rough and ready reputation when it comes to its nightlife. There are still plenty of seedy dives, where foreigners are less than welcome and casual. Warsaw is home to over 30 major theatres that are spread throughout the city, including the National Theatre (founded in 1765) and the Grand Theatre in Warsaw. Warsaw also attracts many young and off-stream directors and performers who add to the city's theatre culture.

Thanks to numerous musical venues, including the Teatr Wielki, the Polish National Opera, the Chamber Opera, the National Philharmonic Hall and the National Theatre, as well as the music theatres Roma and Buffo and the Congress Hall in the Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw hosts many renown events and festivals. Among the seasonal events worth particular attention are: the International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition, the International Contemporary Music Festival Warsaw Autumn, the Jazz Jamboree, Warsaw Summer Jazz Days, the International Stanislaw Moniuszko Vocal Competition, the Mozart Festival, and the Festival of Old Music.

There are many museums and art galleries in Warsaw, most notable are the Muzeum Narodowe,The Polish Avation Museum, Zacheta Art Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art, Museum of the Polish Army. The biggest of them, the National Museum has numerous divisions located in many parts of Warsaw, most notably in the Royal Castle and the Wilanów Palace.

Since World War II Warsaw has been the second most important centre of film production in Poland. As the capital of Poland it has also been featured in countless movies, both Polish and foreign.

When in Poland, you might see a goodly part of the rest of the world: the numerous festivals, often with long traditions and high renown, offer contacts with different cultures. Artists from diverse disciplines, from classical music virtuosi through jazzmen, street performers, experimental theatre artists, to representatives of exotic folklore, are very keen on coming to Poland, and are in complete agreement when it comes to the exceptionally warm welcome and the spontaneity of audience response.