Gallery of Contemporary Gdańsk Sculpture in Oliwa Park

The Gallery of Contemporary Gdańsk Sculpture, located in Oliwa Park, is one of the permanent exhibitions of the National Museum in Gdańsk, which initiated its creation back in 1976. This was done with the participation of the Gdańsk District of the Association of Polish Artists and Designers and the City Council of Gdańsk. It is also worth emphasizing the social nature of the activities accompanying the creation of this exhibition and the involvement of the artists themselves (especially Adam Smolan and Wiesław Pietroń), institutions and associations, as well as workplaces (e.g., the Naval Shipyard in Gdynia).

Outdoor sculptures are works by renowned artists associated with the Coast and the Gdańsk art academy. The sculptors created works in bronze, stone (granite and sandstone), plastic, and ceramic stoneware, personally indicating the exhibition locations for their works in Oliwa Park. This initiative was part of the popular trend in the 1960s and 1970s of placing contemporary works of art in public spaces. The modern form of the objects did not disturb the historical character of Oliwa Park, founded and shaped by successive Cistercian abbots residing in Oliwa. The great diversity in terms of themes and forms may be surprising; apparently, there were no restrictions or guidelines regarding their selection. Among the representations are both realistic and abstract depictions, and the themes refer to mythology, the Bible, or historical events.

Years of exposure to various weather conditions meant that the sculptures required conservation, and in several cases, also a change of location. This was possible thanks to a grant from the City of Gdańsk. After two years of conservation and revitalization work, the sculptures regained their splendor and were also re-marked.

We encourage you to take a closer look at the sculptures in Oliwa Park with our specially published "Walking Guide." The publication is accompanied by a set of attractive gadgets: a canvas bag, a notebook, and a set of postcards.