Poster Museum

The world’s first, the Poster Museum at Wilanow opened in 1968 in the former stables of the Wilanow Palace, located to the south of central Warsaw. A branch of the National Museum in Warsaw, it was initially endowed with several thousand pieces. Now, with a collection of over 55,000 items, it is also one of the world’s largest such museums.

20th century Polish poster art is considered a major contributor to the form, and the Museum’s collection of over 30,000 pieces spanning the years 1892-2002 is one of the most complete in the canon. Of particular interest are posters from the soviet era, which give a fascinating insight into how Poland was presented as a tourist destination in those days. The foreign collection, sourced mainly from the Biennale as well as donations from artists worldwide, is also considered one of the world’s best.

As well as the permanent exhibition, there are also frequent shows, with perhaps the most noteworthy being the International Poster Biennale, which has been held there since 1994 and whose prize is considered the most prestigious in the sphere of poster art.

The building itself is modern, light and airy behind the beautifully restored façade, and as well as the Museum there is of course a shop, where reproductions of many of the most iconic posters are available to purchase. Poland has a long and excellent history in the field of graphic arts, and a visit here will give even the casual viewer an insight into the richness and depth of imagery employed by poster artists over the years.