Józef Czapski – L’Humanité / Humanity

Exhibition of drawings and paintings by Józef Czapski — painter, writer and witness to the most dramatic events of the 20th century. The exhibition, part of the celebrations of the Year of Józef Czapski, brings together works from the MAW’s own collections spanning more than half a century of the artist’s output: from ink and pencil drawings to watercolours and oils.

The exhibition title — L’Humanité / Humanity — expresses its guiding theme. Throughout his life Czapski portrayed people: anonymous passers-by, weary men at bar tables, lovers, public figures of postwar France. His gaze — attentive, free of idealisation — took shape in Soviet prisoner-of-war camps, where he began drawing the faces of fellow prisoners. Created over decades, the works form a collective, honest portrait of the human crowd.

19 June – 29 November 2026

The exhibition is part of the permanent display. Museum admission applies (PLN 35 standard; PLN 25 concessionary)

Curator: Piotr Bernatowicz

Events accompanying the exhibition:

Curator-led tours:

• 20.06.2026 (Saturday), 12:30, Dr Piotr Bernatowicz 25.07.2026 (Saturday), 12:30, Dr Piotr Bernatowicz

Lectures:

• 15.09.2026 (Tuesday), 17:30 | Lecture “Why did Józef Czapski never become the favourite painter of French communists?” Dr Piotr Bernatowicz, curator of the exhibition
• 14.10.2026 (Wednesday), 17:30 | Lecture “Czapski. Painter, writer, soldier of Anders’ Army” Dr Ewa Korpysz
• 10.11.2026 (Tuesday), 17:30 | Lecture “Mińszczyzna – the land of Józef Czapski’s childhood” Ewa Ziółkowska

MEDIA PARTNERS OF THE EXHIBITION Radio Warszawa 106.2 FM | Stacja 7 | Tygodnik Idziemy | Tygodnik Gość Niedzielny | Niezła Sztuka