‘The ABCs of Polish Design’ exhibition presents the best of Polish product design – from furniture, glass or porcelain, universally associated with design, to less obvious items such as fonts, logos, kids’ toys, sports equipment and even sweets!  On show are both contemporary and classic designs: unique objects, original works of art and prototypes that never made it to mass production, but also popular items Poles have used on a daily basis over the last 100 years.

The exhibition is complemented by visual interpretations of the pieces on display prepared by 25 Polish illustrators – artists from diverse backgrounds: renowned masters of the Polish school of illustration, international prize-winning illustrators from the young and middle generation, and up-and-coming illustrators who have just completed their studies.

‘The ABCs of Polish Design’ comprises not only 100 iconic objects and their visual interpretations, but also 100 stories: about designers, their needs, their dreams, their capabilities and their limits.

The exhibition is addressed to the general public, including children, and is accompanied by a publication.

Organised by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute in partnership with the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Toronto, as part of POLSKA 100 — an international cultural programme commemorating the centenary of Poland regaining independence. Financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland as part of the multi-annual programme NIEPODLEGŁA 2017–2022. Venue generously provided by York Heritage Properties.

The goal of the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, a state-funded cultural institution. is to promote Poland and Polish culture abroad. Through the presentation of high-quality initiatives and events in the fields of art, music, and design, the Institute aspires to introduce an international audience to contemporary Polish culture.

More information about Polish culture worldwide at www.culture.pl

Explore the history of Polish design through our multimedia guide available at designguide.pl

From Mon, Jan 27 – Sun, Feb 16 the venue hours will be:
Mon-Wed: 9am–6pm
Thu: 9am–6pm*
Fri: 9am–8pm
Sat–Sun: 10am–8pm**

*Thu, Jan 30 the venue will close at 8pm
**Sun, Feb 16 the venue will close at 6pm

Workshops for Kids!

Sunday, January 19, 3 pm

A creative workshop for kids focusing on the illustrations presented as part of ‘The ABCs of Polish Design’ exhibition.

During the workshop kids will learn about the techniques used by various talented illustrators featured in ‘The ABCs of Polish Design’ exhibition. Children will find out about different ways of creating illustrations and they will also have a chance to prepare their own works.

For children ages 5 to 10.

Workshop is free; space is limited. RSVP to Natalia ([email protected]) by Sat, Jan 18 at 6pm.