Centre for Contemporary Art Ujazdowski Castle

As befits the capital city of a country that has a long and rich tradition in the arts, Warsaw is generously endowed with institutes and facilities that both preserve and extend this tradition. Importantly, the city's refusal to remain stuck in the past means that there are several places where one can appreciate what is at the cutting edge in contemporary arts.

Housed in a beautifully rebuilt 17th century castle and surrounded by two of central Warsaw's loveliest parks, the Centre for Contemporary Art was founded in 1985. Its purpose is to promote all forms of contemporary art, whether it be exhibitions, alternative cinema, theatre projects, avant-garde music, creative workshops or video arts. As well as Polish artists, the centre also has a residency program that allows it to host artists from abroad. The extensive gallery complex comprises several large exhibition spaces as well as a cinema and an acoustically treated event room.

The galleries are open every day except Mondays, with free admission on Thursdays. There are usually several events under way at any given time. In addition to the galleries mentioned above, there is also a library and reading room, which maintains a large and regularly updated collection of exhibition catalogues, journals and contemporary arts magazines. The attached bookstore 'Serenissima' specialises in cultural and art history books, and there is access to scientific and academic publications from around the world.

Finally, if in need of refreshment, the centre has the 'Café Okna', suitable for drinks and snacks, and the rather fancy 'Qchnia Artystyczna' (Artistic Kitchen) restaurant, which serves 'post-modern' food from noon to midnight. Whether it's to see a specific exhibition, or simply to hang out, the Centre for Contemporary Art can be firmly recommended.