Many of us can not remain indifferent while listening to “Nocturnes” or “Polonaises”. Others do not get necessarily moved by these classical compositions. Either way, if you happen to spend some time in the Polish capital Warsaw, take an hour of your time to pay a visit to the Fryderyk Chopin Museum. 

Once there, you might be informed that the museum is already full and that the next possibility to start a visit is in no less than twenty-five minutes. Definitely not the best if your schedule is not flexible. If the weather allows it, you can wait patiently outside the building and listen to the piano and flute sounds coming from the gaping windows of the nearby music academy. The cost of a visit to the museum is approximately 25 PLN (£4,5). However, if you happen to come on a Wednesday like the undersigned, your visit will be free.

Instead of overwhelming the visitors with an abundance of detailed information, the museum offers a rather original and accessible look on Chopin’s life. The journey goes from Chopin’s youth through his artistic and romantic life in Warsaw and Paris before focusing on his travels around Europe. 

The visitor discovers a wide range of memorabilia linked to the composer’s life and work. The collection includes numerous letters written by and to him, musical manuscripts, various notes, and several kinds of documents such as drawings, passports or dedications and even Chopin’s last piano. The collection also includes documents related to the composer’s relatives and places associated with him.

On the museum’s official website we learn that items that can be seen in the museum are acquired for the Fryderyk Chopin Museum through purchases and donations. The most distinguished donors include the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and the National Museum in Warsaw. 

Sébastien Meuwissen

Photo: British Poles