Year 2025
Winds of Change
We have been implementing the Kraków Culture programme since 2021, showcasing our city’s extensive programme of events and festivals – a city where notable and fascinating things happen all the time. We are focusing on the material and intangible heritage whose mementos and manifestations abound everywhere in Kraków.
Most importantly, we want to bolster the idea that this intertwining of cultural life, history and creativity of local inhabitants is by no way an accident. This has given rise to the concept illustrating the values comprising the 16 tales of Kraków which, together, become a singular image of the city at once conservative and open, rooted in its proud past and boldly looking towards the future.
This programme, developed at the difficult time of the pandemic and the war raging beyond our nearby eastern border, has reinforced the role of cultural life as an element bringing together local inhabitants, strengthening ties and attracting numerous guests and artists to the city. The panorama of cultural events following the rhythm of the seasons inspires our imaginations and encourages us to participate. The sheer energy of Cracovian culture spills beyond conventional institutional frameworks, as shown by the fact that the number and significance of local events has rapidly grown beyond previous levels since the covid pandemic. These shifts can be followed easily in the subsequent editions of the “Kraków Culture” quarterly, online on Kraków Culture, and through the “Karnet” monthly brought back in March 2024.
The “Kraków Culture” magazine
Today, the “Kraków Culture” magazine returns as an annual publication, presenting a summary of the latest events in the city’s cultural life. We examine it through the eyes of experts; we return to the past and the important role played by Kraków 25 years ago by becoming Poland’s first European Capital of Culture, paving the way for Wrocław and Lublin. We cast an eye on contemporary trends in culture, note the importance of participatory formats of events, and raise the question of improving social sensitivity and working together to make culture accessible to all. The kaleidoscope of 2025 features dozens of flagship events and must-sees for all lovers of culture, while also appreciating independent artists who bring hundreds of events and initiatives every month which complement Kraków’s cultural landscape and exceed locals’ expectations.
Such expectations increasingly intertwine with municipal aims and strategies: the new creative quarter under development in Wesoła has in its very DNA collaboration with myriad creative circles, as well a focus on municipal participatory programmes involving local residents and growing commitment to making all events as accessible as possible. The future cultural programmes aim to support Wesoła’s development on an experimental level and on a European scale, all held in this vast special space in the very heart of the city, right next to Planty park and fully dedicated to cultural purposes.
Future editions of the annual “Kraków Culture” magazine will follow how these ideas develop and grow – after all, the winds of change continue to blow. In the meantime, let’s not forget that we are right here in Kraków – European Capital of Culture, UNESCO City of Literature, and a favourite spot of artists and designers; a city belonging to audiences who truly love cultural events.
To find your way around through all the regular and celebratory events in Kraków visit on karnet.krakowculture.pl.
Kraków`Culture Team
It All Started in Kraków
Twenty-five years ago, Kraków became the first city in Poland to be bestowed with the title European Capital of Culture. More recently, in the 21st century, the title has also been awarded to Wrocław and Lublin. Wrocław implemented the ECC programme in 2016, while Lublin will mark it in 2029. Read more about Polish cities that continue to inspire one another and develop long-term creative collaborations.
- Cultural Challenges
- Wesoła Is Approaching
Where can I find the printed copies?
Printed copies of the ‘Kraków Culture’ annual are available free from selected locations including the Potocki Palace (20 Rynek Główny) and the Design Pharmacy (19A Kopernika Street).
16 stories about Kraków
Discover Kraków Culture
We admire culture in its festive and everyday manifestations, from the largest festivals, loudest concerts and monumental exhibitions to hundreds of monthly meetings and artistic discoveries. This impressive vision is backed by countless sources of Kraków’s cultural heritage and tales which continue to inspire and serve as a reference point for contemporary artists.
