Galleria Sztuki Schron Gizycko: An Art Gallery with a WWII Shelter | Everything You Need to Know
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Why Should You Visit This Gallery?
There are two key reasons to visit Galeria Sztuki Schron Gizycko. First, it’s a chance to see an impressive collection of art. The gallery boasts works by famous artists like Rembrandt, Dürer, Picasso, and Dali, alongside pieces by contemporary Polish artists. This means you’ll encounter a wide range of styles and techniques, all under one roof.
Second, the gallery is housed in a unique location: a renovated WWII bomb shelter. This adds a historical element to your visit, and lets you explore the very space that once provided refuge for civilians during the war. Not many galleries can offer such a blend of artistic and historical significance.
What Makes This Art Gallery Unique?
The building looks 100 years old. However, it was actually built in 2023. The project involves the use of old building materials. 25 thousand bricks were used which are more than thousands of years old, 3 thousand roof tiles, and 70 fire extinguishers. All windows, doors, and floors are over 100 years old. Even part of the roof truss is made of old beams. The old tiled stove, re-installed by Zdun, adds charm to the interior.
The art gallery is an exhibition of world and Polish art, from works of the Old Masters through the avant-garde to contemporary art. This Art Gallery contains Art and Paintings from both local and internationally famous and well-recognized which are very expensive. Visitors can see the paintings and explore all of these exhibitions free of cost. In the meantime, tourists can see the wooden vessel which was used by the Romain Empire to make wine. The funny thing is that now this vessel is being used to grow trees. There is an Oak wooden pipe from the 14th century, which was used to build the castle in the past.
What Types of Art Can You See?
The exhibition titled “Randez vous with art” includes graphics, paintings, sculpture, and photography. The collection of original works of art has been created for 30 years. Now over 150 of the most valuable works by artists, including Rembrandt, Durer, Picasso, Dali, and Beksiński, are available free of charge to residents and tourists. , Starowieyski. Due to my camera problem I could not take enough and good quality photos.
What Is the Historical Significance of the WWII Shelter?
The WWII shelter at Galleria Sztuki Schron Gizycko was constructed during World War II by the German military as a protective bunker. Built to withstand bombings and air raids, the shelter provided a safe haven for soldiers and civilians during the tumultuous war years. Its robust design and strategic location were crucial for ensuring the survival and security of those seeking refuge from the relentless conflict above ground.
During the war, It served as a command center, housing crucial communications equipment and military personnel who coordinated defensive operations. Additionally, it provided a secure location for storing essential supplies and munitions. The shelter’s historical significance lies in its multifaceted role, offering protection, facilitating military operations, and preserving the lives of many during one of history’s most challenging periods. Today, it stands as a poignant reminder of the resilience and ingenuity displayed during World War II, making it an integral part of the Galleria Sztuki Schron Gizycko experience.
What Can You Expect to See Inside the WWII Shelter?
Before I visited this shelter, I was expecting that it would be a small bunker like a corridor or something when I saw the picture of it online. But, when I went there, I didn’t expect that it would be around 100m long which is totally underground and covered with grass and restaurants on it. There are many things that you must explore. First of all, if you just go through the downstair from inside the Art Gallery, you will see many sculptures that are made with wood. And to the right, there is a big room where you can see many paintings and the history of this place and Poland also. As you walk through the shelter you will see every side of the wall there are pictures that represent the history of this place. The sad part is that all the history that had been written there is in the Polish language. Which makes it difficult for tourists who don’t know the Polish language. As there are no travel guide facilities available. The most interesting things you can see in this shelter are the materials that were used during the war, for example, pistols, bullets, helmets, cameras, and many more from 1945.
Are There Guided Tours Available?
If you visit only to Art Gallery, you will have a guide. The owner of the Galleria Sztuki Schron Gizycko explains every detail of history and the paintings. What is the meaning of these paintings, where are from they, who is the painter, and the original price of it? However, for the underground shelter, you will not get any guide. The tour guide is available only in the art gallery.
What Are the Opening Hours and Entry Fees?
The opening days are from Tuesday to Sunday, and the opening hours are from 12 pm to 5 pm for the visitor.
Visiting Galleria Sztuki Schron Gizycko is completely free unless you visit the shelter which is located inside this art gallery. If you want to visit the shelter, you have to buy a ticket for 10 zloty(polish currency) equals around 3 dollars. But if you have a resident card in this country, then you have to pay 5 zloty. For visitors who have no resident card in this country and come with a big group, the owner provides a discount of 5 zloty. Which I think makes a good impression on foreign visitors.
What Amenities Are Available On-Site?
Besides this Art Gallery, there is an open-air cafeteria under the trees where the weather is always charming and best for relaxation, I particularly loved it. And this is located just beside the Galleria Sztuki Schron, owned by the same owners. But, this cafeteria is only available in the summer, unless it stays shut the rest of the season.
Are There Nearby Accommodations?
Gizycko is the home of thousands of hotels, resorts, and campaign sites. In every corner of this city hotel is available and pretty much affordable.
There is a well-known three-star hotel available near the Galleria Sztuki Schron Gizycko called Hotel Wodnik, just about 80-100 walk away from this Art Gallery.
Hotel Location:
Phone: +48 87 428 38 71
For more details, you can check out their Website: https://cmazur.pl/