Contemporary Art Gallery BWA in Katowice

The Gallery of Contemporary Art BWA in Katowice, established in August 1949 as a branch of the Central Bureau of Art Exhibitions, is one of the most important centers promoting contemporary art in Poland. It is housed in a building designed by Stanisław Kwaśniewicz between 1965 and 1966, which was completed in 1972. The structure, featuring original architecture, consists of a two-story exhibition pavilion and an adjacent administrative building, finished with noble plaster and a green glass facade. Over the years, the gallery has organized numerous prestigious events, such as the Polish Poster Biennale and the Polish Graphic Triennale, and its activities include both solo and group exhibitions by Polish and international artists. The gallery is actively involved in cultural education, implementing projects like "Ready, Set, Art!" and "Snapshot," which encourage young creators to explore new techniques and develop their photography skills. Since 2017, the gallery's publications have also been available in digital format, increasing their accessibility. The BWA's collection of contemporary art comprises over a thousand works, including pieces by renowned artists such as Jerzy Duda-Gracz and Magdalena Abakanowicz. The gallery also operates as a bookstore, selling its own publications as well as those from external sources. In 2024, the gallery building was added to the register of historical monuments, highlighting its architectural and historical significance. Currently, under the direction of Marek Kusz, BWA continues its mission of promoting art and culture in Katowice, attracting both local and international artists and visitors.