Fryderyk Chopin is Warsaw's favourite son. He was born nearby in 1810, grew up and studied in the city, and left at twenty for Paris, never to return; after his death his heart was brought back and placed in a pillar of the Holy Cross Church on Krakowskie Przedmieście. Hearing his music played live is one of the loveliest things to do in Warsaw, and Chopin Point makes it easy. Its concerts take place every day at the Old Gallery of the Association of Polish Art Photographers on Castle Square, right beside the Royal Castle, in a small room where a pianist plays a programme of Chopin's best-loved pieces, such as the nocturnes, mazurkas, waltzes and polonaises, often with short introductions to the music. Audiences are small, so you sit close enough to watch the pianist's hands. The linked Tiqets page offers two options: a Chopin piano concert of about an hour for small groups, and a Pleyel salon concert of a little over an hour.
Planning your visit: concerts run daily, usually with several start times, and seats are limited, so book ahead for evenings and weekends. Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early to find the venue on Castle Square and settle in. Dress is casual, but phones should be silenced and photography is usually not allowed during the performance. The concerts are designed for visitors, so you do not need to know anything about classical music to enjoy them.
How to visit well: an evening concert is the perfect end to a day in the Old Town, and the square outside is beautiful after dark. If you want more Chopin, walk down Krakowskie Przedmieście to the Holy Cross Church to see the pillar holding his heart, and look out for the musical benches along the Royal Route, which play a short piece of his music at the touch of a button. In summer, the free Sunday recitals at the Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park are another tradition, but they do not run in winter.
Who it suits: couples, music lovers and anyone looking for a calm, memorable evening. Older children who play the piano often love it; very young children may struggle to sit still for an hour.
What to expect
The experience
A seated piano recital of Chopin's music for a small audience in an intimate gallery salon on Castle Square.
Best time
An early evening concert, after a day in the Old Town.
How long
About an hour, or a little longer for the salon concert.
Tips
Book ahead for evenings, arrive ten minutes early, and walk to the Holy Cross Church afterwards to see where Chopin's heart is kept.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and music lovers looking for a memorable evening.
- Families
- Best for older children with an interest in music; an hour of piano is long for little ones.
- Couples
- Pair an evening recital with dinner in the Old Town.
- Pair with
- The Royal Castle next door and a stroll down Krakowskie Przedmieście.
- Time needed
- An hour or so.
Good questions
Where are the Chopin Point concerts held?+
They take place at the Old Gallery of the Association of Polish Art Photographers, at plac Zamkowy 8 on Castle Square. It is right beside the Royal Castle in the Old Town.
How long is a Chopin concert in Warsaw?+
The piano concert lasts about an hour, and the Pleyel salon concert a little over an hour. Both are held daily.
Do I need to book Chopin concert tickets ahead?+
It is wise, as audiences are deliberately small. Evening and weekend concerts fill up first.
Where is Chopin's heart in Warsaw?+
It is sealed in a pillar of the Holy Cross Church on Krakowskie Przedmieście. It is a short walk from Castle Square along the Royal Route.
Are there free Chopin concerts in Warsaw?+
In summer, free Sunday recitals are held at the Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park. They do not run in late autumn or winter, when indoor concerts are the best option.
