Contemporary Art Gallery "Bunkier Sztuki"

The Contemporary Art Gallery "Bunkier Sztuki" in Krakow, located at pl. Szczepański 3a, is a significant cultural institution that was established in 1965 through the transformation of the Bureau of Art Exhibitions, which had been created in 1950. Architecturally, the gallery was designed by Krystyna Tołłoczko-Różyska, with its distinctive feature being the sculptural treatment of the facade by Antoni Hajdecki. In 1994, Bunkier was granted the status of a municipal gallery, which contributed to the development of its individual character and led to its renaming as "Bunkier Sztuki" in 1995. Despite attempts to merge with the Museum of Contemporary Art MOCAK, these plans were abandoned due to protests. In 2021, the building underwent renovation, reflecting its continuous evolution. Culturally, the gallery promotes contemporary art by organizing exhibitions of works by artists from Krakow and presenting pieces by Polish and international classics. The gallery is known for its rich exhibition program, often complemented by catalogs and discussions with critics. Among the artists featured are renowned figures from the art world. Additionally, Bunkier engages in publishing activities and documents performance art, with its Fluxus exhibition in 2008 having a significant impact on the history of Polish performance. The gallery's directors have included Krzysztof Głuchowski, Jarosław Suchan, Maria Anna Potocka, and Magdalena Ziółkowska, and since 2024, the position has been held by Delfina Jałowik. As an independent institution funded by the City of Krakow, the gallery continues to play a key role in the city's artistic and cultural life.