When looking for antiques and art galleries, the best idea is to go to the vicinities of the Old and New Town. You can come across such places every few steps and sink in the maze of small, lovely streets of the historical Old Town.
Right next to the Old Town market, in 7 Nowomiejska street, Antykwariat Lamus, which specialises in books, maps, old prints, manuscripts and graphics released before 1945, can be found. The antique shop is also interested in certain Polish paintings, furniture, tableware and silverware. Many Polish mansions, palaces as well as modern interiors were equipped thanks to Lamus. Auctions in a special, established for this purpose, auction house are organised twice a year. It is a must stop if you are looking for some bargains and valuable items.
Lapidarium has been opened in close vicinity (at number 15/17) since 1975. It is a huge space full of extraordinary treasure. Lapidarium is dominated by both old and modern art. Medals, vases, dresses, uniforms, albums, furniture, instruments... you can spend an entire day admiring these collector’s items and still want more. The offer also includes jeweller’s service: jewellery, castings and other products (also according to customers’ designs) are made on request.
Nowomiejska street is followed by Fretta street, where Galeria Fretta 22 can be found (at number 20/24). The gallery offers modern paintings, graphics and sculptures. The owner follows her family tradition and is a weaver (specialised in tapestry technique). Her works are also available in the gallery. Many famous and respected in the community artists display their works here.
Altius auction house (35/37 Piwna street) is another interesting place for art lovers. Mehoffer, Weiss, Wyspiański, Kozakiewicz, Pankiewicz ‒ the gallery can boast of these names. A large collection of militaria is also really impressive.
Galeria Sztuki Katarzyny Napiórkowskiej (32 Świętokrzyska street) offers a wide range of modern art. It includes both classics and works by many promising artists of the younger generation.
If you are looking for modern art, you have to go to Galeria DESA MODERN (116 Bartycka street). Its offer includes painting and photography of outstanding Polish artists. The biggest experts will help you choose a stylish work which will perfectly match and decorate any interior.
The DESA company, the oldest company of this type in Poland, has several other galleries, the biggest one is located in Marszałkowska street, in the MDM bulding, where three storeys are full of not only paintings but also platters, furniture and silverware from different times. DESA cooperates with important auction houses in the whole world so it is very likely to come across some unique items.
Bazar na Kole (Obozowa street) is a very atmospheric market full of unique antiques. It is held every Sunday and goes into overdrive in summer from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. when the weather is fine. Countless stalls and stands are full of unique items. A walk itself in this place is a magical experience. Remember that you can bargain over prices.
Ancient art fans should go to Prima Porta Antiquities. This elegant gallery, located in 71 Mokotowska street, is full of antique works (over 400 artefacts).
