If you’re visiting Warsaw, Poland, then you’re guaranteed to hear about Frédéric Chopin. One of the most famous Poles of all time, Frédéric Chopin is alive and well in Warsaw today. From the Chopin Museum to his resting heart, Chopin’s memory and music are dotted throughout the city. Concerts are taking place all over Warsaw and make for a lovely evening out. In this post, we talk about how to get your fill of one of music’s greatest composers all while having a fantastic time in Warsaw.
If you’re looking for other things to do in Warsaw or Chopin just doesn’t suit your fancy, then read our post on what to do in Warsaw!
Chopin Museum
The Chopin Museum is housed in a rebuilt 17th century mansion. It spans three floors and takes you on an interactive journey through Chopin’s life. It’s a modern setup with audio and visual guides and also some originals of letters and sheet music.
Lastly, the museum ends in a large room with many listening stations. You’re able to sit and enjoy his waltzes, mazurkas, nocturnes, you name it.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for concerts at the Chopin Museum! There was one concert during our stay and it was only $1 USD! But we made the mistake of not reserving our seat online beforehand. It was sold out.
Holy Cross Church – Chopin’s Heart
Chopin’s body lies in Paris. His heart lies in Warsaw. A common practice during that time was to remove the heart from a body to ensure one wasn’t being buried alive. Paris wasn’t ready to give any part of Chopin up but his note to his doctor requested his heart be removed. Chopin’s sister was quick to act and bring it back to Warsaw with her. You can now visit the Holy Cross Church where Chopin’s heart is resting today.
Chopin Point Warsaw
There is no shortage of advertisements for a Chopin concert in Warsaw. However, we highly recommend Chopin Point Warsaw. Frédéric Chopin played in this very building as a teen! It’s not expensive; the cost is around 15 euros per person for an intimate hour of Chopin with an internationally acclaimed pianist.
Not only will your ears be wowed, but you’ll be offered a welcoming drink of Polish mead. Very delicious! There is a non-alcoholic option as well. This was one of our favorite outings in Warsaw.
See the event schedule and make a reservation with Chopin Point.
Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park
Chopin and a willow tree form this beautiful statue. It was destroyed by the Nazi’s but has been rebuilt for us to enjoy today. The best thing about this monument is the free concerts that take place during the summer months, Sundays at 12pm and 4 pm. There are chairs around but plan on arriving early as they fill up quickly.
Łazienki Park isn’t just about Chopin. In our opinion, it’s the prettiest park in Warsaw. If the weather is nice, take a stroll through this very green area and admire the large estates and monuments scattered throughout. There’s ice cream sold within as well!
Frédéric Chopin University of Music
This university is less about what’s inside than what’s going on around it. We happened upon it by mistake one evening, walking to another destination. A small park, Skwer Bohdana Wodiczko, borders the university. Take a seat one evening, relax and listen to students practicing from indoors. Most likely, you’re going hear…you guessed it! Chopin!
Summary of Chopin in Warsaw
Whether you appreciate his music or not, there’s no denying the importance of Frédéric Chopin in Warsaw. He is an essential figure in Polish culture and history and deservedly so! We hope when you visit Warsaw that you take some time to appreciate Chopin and the music he left behind for us to enjoy.
Happy Travels!
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