Further Distractions
Palac Kultury I Nauki (Palace of Culture and Science)
Varsovians are somewhat divided when it comes to this marvel of Socialist Realism, for decades (at 231 metres) the tallest and largest building in Poland and a reminder of Stalin’s ambitions – it was a gift from him to the city, in 1955. The viewing platform on the 30th floor gives a terrific view over Warsaw. What is reputed to be the world’s highest clock tower was added in 2001.
Ulica Emilii Plater
Tel: (022) 656 7136.
Transport: Tram 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 18, 22 or 35.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-2400.
Admission: Z15; Z20 after 2100 (including a drink); concessions available.
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Frederic Chopin
Chopin only lived in Warsaw until he was 20 years old but there is a monument to him in Park Lazienki, where open-air recitals are held in the summer. Chopin’s Parlour, in his family’s former home at the Palac Czapski Krasinski, is open to the public, while Chopin’s heart is interred in a pillar at the Church of the Holy Cross (Kosciol Znalezienia Swietego Krzyna) next door. His body, however, lies in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. There is also the Muzeum Fryderyka Chopina, located in Ostrogski Castle, with exhibits on the different phases of his life and career.
Muzeum Fryderyka Chopina
Ulica Okolnik 1
Tel: (022) 827 5471.
Website: www.chopin.pl/zabytki/muzeum/muzeum-en.html
Transport: Bus 148, 150, 155 or 162.
Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat 1000-1400, Thurs 1200-1800.
Admission: Z7; concessions available.
Chopin’s Parlour
Ulica Krakowskie Przedmiescie 5
Tel: (022) 826 6251
Transport: Plac Krasinkisch, north of ulica Dugna at the end of ulica Middowa.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1400.
Admission: Free.
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