This is your last chance to see the ‘Retro Warsaw’ exhibition at Art Box Experience in Fabryka Norblina. This multisensory journey to the capital of the 1820s and 1830s will only be available until 9 September 2025, every Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Since June, nearly 5,000 visitors have already seen the exhibition in its new form. For those who have not yet had the opportunity to visit it, this is a unique moment to experience pre-war Warsaw in the latest technological form, especially since children and young people can see it free of charge until 29 August.
Retro Warsaw is an exhibition with which Art Box Experience inaugurated its activities at the Norblin Factory in Warsaw three years ago. Its popularity meant that it returned once again in a renewed form. Thanks to its immersive formula and the use of around 200 reconstructed and digitally coloured archival materials, visitors are transported to the bustling metropolis of pre-World War II. Viewers stroll through the streets of the capital, visit clubs, cinemas and marketplaces that no longer exist, and explore pre-war districts and iconic buildings. The 360° projection system, unique visuals and soundtrack by Jan Emil Młynarski create an unforgettable experience that engages all the senses.
The refreshed version of the exhibition has been enriched with new materials. The cinema room presents documentary films about pre-war Warsaw, and the expanded immersive space offers a glimpse into the legendary Adria club – with its famous rotating dance floor, atmospheric bar and themed menu. Thanks to the work of Mariusz Zając, animated photographs and icons of the cinema of that era – Hanka Ordonówna, Eugeniusz Bodo and Jadwiga Andrzejewska – are brought back to life in our world.
Every Sunday, actors playing characters from the era can be found at the exhibition, including a newspaper boy handing out stylised editions of Kurier Warszawski. Visitors can also watch original film trailers from the 1930s, which could last up to five minutes, and see film posters from the era. There is also a section devoted to fashion, where visitors can trace the influence of pre-war style on today’s trends. At the end of the visit, it is worth taking an interactive retro bike ride around Piłsudski Square.
The exhibition is also accompanied by special events. On 24 August, a unique evening event entitled “A Percentage of History – Retro Warsaw with Tasting” will take place. At 5 p.m., guests will embark on a journey through the exhibition, followed by a stylish tasting of craft spirits from Podole Wielkie – one of the last Polish distilleries with traditions dating back to the 19th century. In an elegant interior, accompanied by pre-war music, guests will be able to try three carefully selected spirits and taste snacks inspired by interwar cuisine.
On the same day, at 6 p.m., a curator’s tour of the exhibition with Warsaw expert Jerzy S. Majewski is also planned. This is an opportunity to look at pre-war Warsaw through the eyes of one of the most prominent experts on its history. Majewski will give an insight into the daily life of the inhabitants, the architecture, the rhythm of the city and the behind-the-scenes work on the exhibition.
Every Sunday, there are regular guided tours of the exhibition – at 12:00 p.m., ‘Sunday in Old Warsaw’, i.e. family journeys through time, and at 1:00 p.m., ‘Retro Warsaw’ – a guided tour for adults and young people. The summer promotion ‘Good morning, culture!’ is still ongoing – from Monday to Friday, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., individual tickets cost only PLN 40.
A special offer for children and young people has also been prepared for the summer holidays – until 29 August, people under the age of 18 can visit the exhibition free of charge from Monday to Friday (accompanied by an adult guardian; one guardian can bring a maximum of three children).
To mark the last month of the exhibition, the Art Box Experience shop is running a special promotion – souvenirs related to “Retro Warsaw” can be purchased with a discount of up to 50%.
Practical information:
Art Box Experience, Norblin Factory,
ul. Żelazna 51/53,
level +2, Plater building
Opening hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 10:00–20:00 (last admission: 19:00)
Friday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (last admission: 8:00 p.m.)
More at: www.artboxexperience.com,
Tickets: available online at Ticketmaster and on site.
Ticket prices:
Weekdays (Monday to Friday):
standard ticket – PLN 65
concession ticket – PLN 55
ticket for seniors/people with disabilities – PLN 45
family ticket (2 adults and 2 children aged 5-18) – PLN 170
Weekends (Saturday, Sunday):
standard ticket – PLN 75
reduced ticket – PLN 65
ticket for seniors/people with disabilities – PLN 55
family ticket (2 adults and 2 children aged 5-18) – PLN 190
This is your last chance to experience the atmosphere of Warsaw from the days when people danced until dawn in clubs, the streets resounded with the sounds of barrel organs, and horse-drawn carriages gave way to cars. ‘Retro Warsaw’ is not just an exhibition – it is a journey through time, which ends on 9 September.