These words by Andrzej Wajda, one of Poland’s most distinguished film and theatre directors, provide the starting point for an exhibition at Cricoteka marking the centenary of his birth. The titular statement, often repeated by Wajda in his writings and public addresses, reveals the distinctive nature of his relationship with Tadeusz Kantor—one marked by fascination, artistic admiration and a profound understanding of the radical theatrical language developed by the founder of Cricot 2.
Czas trwania
06.10.2026 – 10.01.2027
Exhibition dates: 6 October 2026 – 10 January 2027
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 am–7:00 pm (last admission 15 minutes before closing)
Tickets: PLN 10 regular / PLN 5 reduced
The exhibition focuses primarily on previously unexhibited documents relating to the making of Andrzej Wajda’s 1976 film version of Kantor’s production The Dead Class. Sketches, photographs, correspondence, and official documents reveal the creative process through the preserved archival records.
The exhibition also presents fragments of the film made jointly by Kantor and Wajda 50 years ago. They evoke the intensity of their artistic dialogue and allow visitors to experience the extraordinary energy of The Dead Class in a cinematic form.
The second part of the exhibition features recordings and reflections by Andrzej Wajda and Krystyna Zachwatowicz-Wajda on their visits to Cricoteka, as well as their long-standing affinity with Kantor’s work. Their memories are the foundation for a personal narrative about friendship, inspiration, and Tadeusz Kantor’s message to future generations of artists.
ACCESSIBILITY
How to Get Here
The nearest public transport stops are Korona (tram and bus) and Plac Bohaterów Getta (tram).
Cricoteka has no visitor car park. Two accessible parking spaces are located on Nadwiślańska Street, near the entrance facing the Father Bernatek Footbridge. A temporary parking space in the square may be arranged upon prior request.
Exhibition Accessibility
The most convenient entrance is through Cricoteka Square. The ticket office is on level −1, accessible by lift or stairs.
The Cloakroom Gallery is also located on level −1. Ticket office staff can provide directions and assistance.
Curators: Natalia Zarzecka, Krystyna Zachwatowicz-Wajda; collaboration: Małgorzata Paluch-Cybulska
Production: Anna Bargiel
Visual identity and exhibition design: Parastudio
Promotion: Małgorzata Kmita-Fugiel, Zofia Mikołajska, Martyna Nowak
Audience service: Aleksandra Treder
Lighting and multimedia: Mariusz Gąsior, Konrad Pachel
Exhibition installation: Tomasz Stefaniak, Krzysztof Warmus
Accessibility: Anna Rejowska
Deputy Director: Agnieszka Oprządek
Collaboration: Wiktor Bury, Justyna Droń, Joanna Gorzałczany, Ewa Kaczmarczyk, Valentyna Khomenko, Agata Klakla, Olga Konik, Jolanta Lang, Michał Lelek, Kateryna Marchenko, Piotr Masoń, Mateusz Matysiak, Anna Michałowska, Aldona Mikulska, Adam Nehring, Tomasz Pietrucha, Bogdan Renczyński, Maciej Satała, Barbara Szarek, Krzysztof Wilk, Olena Yanushewska
Media partners: TVP3 Kraków, Radio Kraków, Spotkania z Zabytkami
The exhibition is part of the official programme celebrating the Andrzej Wajda Year.
