Katowice’s strength is in its diverse but at the same time mutually complementary cultural offer. It is a place where the modern meets the traditional. Visitors will find here exhibitions on the city’s history, classical music concerts but also the biggest techno event in Poland. The cultural fabric of Katowice consists of a number of cultural and entertainment institutions whose activity will satisfy even the most refined of tastes.

The National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra [NOSPR], recognised as the leading Polish orchestra, has its seat here. It is the NOSPR that by giving concerts for over sixty years around the world brings glory to Katowice and Polish music and culture. Lovers of classical music are also welcome at Silesian Philharmonic. Next to music, the city’s cultural map features also museums – the Silesian Museum and the Katowice Historical Museum. The Silesian Museum, which at the end of 2011 will move its operations to a new seat, among others features the Gallery of Polish Painting from 1800-1939 which is certainly worth seeing. The Katowice Historical Museum presents the city’s history from its very beginnings until the present times. The exhibits are presented in the original interiors of township houses built in 1908. A prominent place in Katowice’s cultural life is held by modern art with the BWA Modern Art Gallery in the lead. It is one of the most important institutions of its kind in Poland. Speaking about modern art, we cannot omit the Upper Silesian Cultural Centre [GCK] which runs several galleries. The GCK also is an organiser of many events, exhibitions and spectacles. When the city was being rebuilt, thought was also given to the place of culture. One of the examples is the Art Roundabout, built during the modernisation of the Katowice Roundabout, which houses two galleries and a cafe which provide a venue for exhibitions, concerts and meetings with artists. The Szyb Wilson Gallery, perfectly merging into the industrial character of Katowice of the olden days, deserves particular attention. A complex of three galleries built in the area of a former pit-shaft is a place where works of young and daring painters, graphic designers and photographers are presented.