Step inside the extraordinary mind of Nicolaus Copernicus at the 550th anniversary exhibition
Zamek Królewski w Warszawie © fot. Volatus Media
Plenty of major and minor actors come to sit at the chessboard of history, but a true gamechanger enters the scene only once in a blue moon. Beyond doubt, Nicolaus Copernicus was one, being a lone leader of one the greatest – and bloodless – revolutions of all times. His surname is known to everyone, but what do we know about him as a human being? The answer to this question lies in the latest exhibition celebrating the 550th anniversary of his birth.
From the moment you enter the exhibition, you are transported back in time to an era of great cultural and political shifts. The nearly 170 unique exhibits on display, borrowed from 21 Polish and foreign museums and scientific centers, will take you on a fascinating trip through the childhood of this extraordinary person who left his mark forever on the history of humanity.
Zamek Królewski w Warszawie © fot. Volatus Media
Not only was Copernicus the scientist who “stopped the Sun and moved the Earth” by overthrowing the geocentric vision of the world, but he was also a doctor, lawyer, mathematician, and economist. He was truly a Renaissance man who completed his education at the most prestigious European universities of his time. Moreover, as a canon he belonged to the clergy, whereas the main source of his income was administration of the ecclesiastical estates.
The exhibition space is divided into parts devoted to Copernicus’ individual spheres of activity, including his life as a canon, an astronomer’s workshop, and his office. Together, they form a coherent and complete narrative about the versatile mind of the scientist and give us an idea of the times in which he lived.
Zamek Królewski w Warszawie © fot. Volatus Media
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the presentation of the first edition of Copernicus’ main, breakthrough work “De revolutionibus orbium ceolestium” (On the Revolutions of Celestial Spheres), along with two other editions. In addition, the exhibition presents historic scientific instruments from that era, including an astrolabe from the 15th century and measuring instruments belonging to Michelangelo from the 16th century.
The last part of the exhibition is dedicated to the reception of the legendary astronomer in the works of art from the subsequent decades, with the iconic painting by Jan Matejko – “Astronom Kopernik, czyli rozmowa z Bogiem” [“Copernicus the Astronomer or a conversation with God”] (1873), as the main element of the section devoted to works of art related to Nicolaus Copernicus.
Zamek Królewski w Warszawie © fot. Volatus Media
If you’re looking for an educational and awe-inspiring experience, then the Copernicus exhibition is a must-see. It’s a fascinating journey through the life and times of one of the most important astronomers in history and a true Renaissance man who changed the world.
The Royal Castle in Warsaw (Zamek Królewski w Warszawie)
plac Zamkowy 4
Ticket prices:
regular – PLN 45
reduced – PLN 35
children and youth aged 7-16 – PLN 1
Please note that there is a discount for guests of the Planetarium of the Copernicus Science Center (upon presentation of the ticket):
regular PLN 23, reduced PLN 16.
Exhibition opening hours:
Tuesday-Sunday: 12.00-20.00 (last entrance at 19.00)
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