Antoni Rząsa Gallery

The Antoni Rząsa Gallery in Zakopane is an independent exhibition venue established in 1976 on the initiative of the local sculptor Antoni Rząsa. Located at 16a Bogdańskiego Street, the gallery has showcased the works of the artist—a renowned creator in the Zakopane community who significantly influenced Polish sculpture—since its inception. After the artist's death in 1980, his son, Marcin Rząsa, took over the management of the gallery in 1981, in collaboration with Magda Ciszewska-Rząsa. The spacious interiors of the gallery feature a permanent exhibition of Antoni Rząsa's sculptures, highlighting both his unique style and the diversity of his sculptural techniques, as well as his inspirations drawn from the local highland culture and the Tatra Mountains. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the gallery organizes temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, making it a dynamic space open to new artistic currents. It is worth noting that the Antoni Rząsa Gallery has become an important part of the region's culture and a meeting place for artists and art enthusiasts, fostering the exchange of ideas and experiences. The architecture of the gallery itself, though modest, blends harmoniously into the picturesque landscape of Zakopane, and its intimate atmosphere encourages contemplation of art. An interesting fact is that the gallery was one of the first venues in Poland to promote contemporary sculpture within the context of highland tradition, combining history with modernity. Thanks to the gallery's activities, the works of Antoni Rząsa and contemporary artists have the opportunity to reach a wider audience, and Zakopane itself is perceived not only as a resort but also as an art center.