Wrocław Contemporary Museum

Museum in Wrocław

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Jacek Halicki

The Wrocław Contemporary Museum (Muzeum Współczesne Wrocław) is one of the city’s most dynamic cultural institutions, dedicated to exploring contemporary art and current social issues. Opened in 2011, the museum is uniquely housed in a former Nazi air raid shelter near Plac Strzegomski. Constructed between 1942 and 1943, at the height of World War II, this 25-metre-tall above-ground air raid shelter was designed to withstand heavy bombing, with outer walls exceeding one metre in thickness. During the Siege of Breslau, it was known as “Festunglazaret II” and served as part of the city’s fortress hospital system. The space has been carefully adapted for exhibitions, offering several floors of galleries that showcase a wide range of Polish and international contemporary art, including installations, video, photography, painting, and performance art.

The museum places a strong emphasis on social dialogue and critical thought, often highlighting themes such as identity, memory, urban life, and political transformation. It features both permanent displays—such as a rotating selection from the Jerzy Ludwiński collection, a key figure in Polish conceptual art—and temporary exhibitions that engage with current cultural and societal topics. The museum also collaborates with artists, activists, and academics, creating a platform for experimental and socially engaged projects.

In addition to its exhibitions, Wrocław Contemporary Museum offers a range of educational and public programs, including artist talks, workshops, guided tours, and film screenings, making it an inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds. A rooftop café provides views over the city’s changing skyline, blending reflection with relaxation. Bold, thought-provoking, and deeply relevant, the museum invites visitors to engage with the challenges and creativity of the modern world, all within the unique atmosphere of a reimagined historical space.

The Wrocław Contemporary Museum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Wrocław!

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