Discover centuries of Japanese art, creativity and ingenuity at Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology. Among the permanent and temporary collections are ancient handicraft pieces, elaborately decorated weapons and tapestries.
Devote at least a couple of hours to exploring the exhibitions inside this wave-shaped building. View the permanent collection of contemporary art, featuring Japanese, Korean and Polish sculptures, paintings, prints, photographs, drawings and more. The prized exhibits include a set of prints by the celebrated Japanese artist Toshihiro Hamano and Polish posters that were designed for Japanese films.
Study the collection of photographs, which includes documentary shots taken by Jewish traveler Ze'ev Aleksandrowicz during a trip to Japan in 1934. Browse the Japanese woodblock prints that date back to the 19th and 20th centuries. View contemporary decorative art objects that are based on traditions that are hundreds of years old.
See objects related to Japanese theater, such as nō masks. These carved and painted wooden masks were first used in the 14th century. There are also exhibitions that look at how Japanese art has influenced the work of such prominent Polish artists as Julian Fałat and Leon Wyczółkowski.
The work of the Oscar-winning Polish film and theater director Andrzej Wajda features prominently in the museum. There are objects related to several stages of his career. Look at his sketches for movie and stage productions, peruse drawings from his trips to Japan and portraits of his friends.
The museum is also a cultural center, hosting concerts, workshops, readings of fairytales and other events. For the up-to-date schedule, visit the museum's official website.
Before you leave, check out the constantly changing temporary exhibitions. Previous shows have featured both traditional and contemporary pieces and installations.
The Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology is on the western bank of the Vistula River in central Kraków. The museum is open every day except Monday and there is an admission charge.
