25hrs with Konrad Smoleński

Masked man of aesthetic mystery, Konrad Smoleński, has alerted the world to the dynamic and uncompromising will of the young Polish art scene. With his video series documenting landscapes of grey abyss as well as sound installations and performances, his tongue-in-cheek approach to art emulsifies action with aesthetics in a compelling mixture that lacks the detached attitude that has become characteristic of many contemporary artists. Think exploding plant pots, greased-up slo-mo bodybuilders, flaming drum kits, and a missile strung up like a bass guitar.

Having won the 2011 Views art prize for young Polish artists, Smoleński stands at the vanguard of the “guerilla”-styled Polish art scene and forms an ideal figure to shed some of his light on the nascent cultural scene in Warsaw. In his top picks of the Polish capital, the city’s industrial past serves as a sort of narrative that demonstrates where Warsaw’s appeal lies for young, restless talents.

Places in this guide

After Dark Warsaw
Warszawa Powiśle End of the line
Two blocks from Solec 44 is Warszawa Powiśle, a club made in an old railway station. Great beer in an iconic building. Worth visiting.
Culture Warsaw
Galeria Starter Multi-discipline mash up
Small and relatively new, Galeria Starter is run by some tough young girls. They’re super nice too; a part of the big migration from Poznań.
After Dark Warsaw
Chłodna 25 Come and conquer
This is not only a club, it’s a community center, featuring a varied program of avant jazz concerts to political debates or alternative theater. There’s a nice, small club at the ground floor and a basement that is more important for Warsaw culture than any of the city administrative officers.
Escapism Warsaw
Różyckiego Bazaar Acceptable in the '80s
They mostly sell rubbish and Chinese cotton but the location and people you find here typify eastern folklore in a gritty style. It’s one of the few remaining places in Warsaw like that. Nowadays all these locations are changing. Check out Różyckiego bazaar while it’s still there.
Escapism Warsaw
Gasworks Abandoned chamber of industry
Brave explorers should go to the area around the West Train Station (Warszawa Zachodna). All that neighborhood was amazingly ugly but the European Football Championship has brought about the situation of an urban folklore disappearing again. Still, there are some jaw-dropping spots. Next to the station is this eerie old gasworks building. It’s super-easy to get into (illegally).
Food Warsaw
Solec Don't play with your food
A super-small building close to the railway path; the staff serve up great food (made in-house) and offer tons of oddball games. You can always ask the crew from the club about the rules if you’re stuck. They know them all inside out.
Food Warsaw
Kawiarnia Relaks Take it easy, with milk and sugar
The name says it all really—a place to chill and enjoy a great coffee! And on the walls you will always find something interesting in the fields of design and calligraphy. Recently there were a lot of Polish posters of women posing from various eras.
Escapism Warsaw
Vistula Bank (Praga) Down river downtime
Between the Zawadowski flood bank and the river is an area of settled land. I’ve been there a few times and there wasn’t any one else around—maybe they hide somewhere when strangers are coming? The constructions and horticulture that I found there make it a perfect place for young creative designers to study. I can’t imagine a better outcome of a workshop entitled HOW TO MAKE SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING.
Culture Warsaw
Soho Factory Art in the East
Beautiful, private spaces for presenting young art in an old factory. The owners always create a great atmosphere, whatever the occasion. So don’t be surprised if you find a dining event or a party in a gallery space—just join them. The Soho complex is full of interesting activities: design shops, architecture studios, and even a museum of neon signs. Don’t forget to try the Gemo restaurant. Top quality Georgian food in a nice atmosphere.
After Dark Warsaw
Powiększenie Blow up
There’s no better place for live gigs in Warsaw. If you have an interest in experimental, alternative, post noise, rap—whatever music that is hard to define—this is the place to come to. Powiększenie is run by Borek (Michal Borkiewicz) the greatest promoter for alternative music in Warsaw. He’s also responsible for Plan B and Plac Zabaw where you can find alternative concerts in a relaxing environment.
Culture Warsaw
Czułość Primed for exposure
They’re even younger than the Galeria Starter girls. Located in a private flat, activities are something in between partying and making art. Worth a visit for the openings, except if you’re over 40, they might think you’re looking for your daughter.

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