Our journey through the world of Zakopane art begins with the Władysław Count Zamoyski Municipal Art Gallery, located at 41 Krupówki Street, a place that is the true heart of artistic Zakopane. The gallery is easily accessible - it is located in the very center of the city, just a few minutes walk from the bus and train stations. Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, it offers free entry on Thursdays, making it ideal for those traveling on a budget.

The gallery showcases the works of local artists, and also hosts temporary exhibitions to explore the diversity of Podhale art. Particularly noteworthy are expositions devoted to the history of the region and the figure of Zakopane's founder, Wladyslaw Zamoyski. For families with children, the gallery offers special educational programs that introduce the youngest to the world of highland art in an accessible way.

The next stop on our route is the Wladyslaw Hasior Gallery, a branch of the Tatra Museum, located at 18b Jagiellońska Street. This is a unique place, dedicated to the work of one of the most original Polish artists of the 20th century. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the entrance ticket costs PLN 15 (as of October 2023).

Hasior's work, though controversial, is a fascinating combination of highland tradition and artistic avant-garde. The gallery features his famous assemblages, banners and installations, which often comment on social and political reality. For solo travelers, the gallery offers audio guides for a deeper understanding of the works on display.

It's worth noting that both galleries are accessible to people with disabilities, making them accessible to a wide audience. Near both locations, there are numerous cafes and restaurants where visitors can relax and enjoy local cuisine after a busy tour.

For those looking for souvenirs, both galleries have stores where you can purchase reproductions of works of art, albums or handicrafts inspired by highland art. This is a great opportunity to take a piece of Zakopane with you and support local artists.

Continuing our artistic journey through Zakopane, we head to the Art Gallery in the Oksza Villa, which is a branch of the Tatra Museum. Located at 25 Hr. Władysława Zamoyskiego Street, this beautiful Zakopane-style villa is a work of art in itself. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the entrance ticket costs 12 PLN (as of October 2023).

Willa Oksza is not only a gallery, but also a living testimony to the history of Zakopane. Built in 1895, it is one of the best examples of the Zakopane style, created by Stanislaw Witkiewicz. Its interiors feature a permanent exhibition devoted to the art of Zakopane and Podhale at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is an ideal place for those interested in the history of architecture and design.

For families with children, Willa Oksza offers special educational programs and workshops that introduce the culture of the region in an interactive way. Note the original furniture and furnishings, which allow you to travel back in time to an era when Zakopane was becoming the 'winter capital of Poland'.

The next point on our trip is the Antoni Rząsa Gallery, located at 16A Bogdański Street. This unusual place, run by the artist's family, is open daily from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, but a prior appointment by phone is recommended. Admission is free, making the gallery accessible to any traveler.

Antoni Rząsa was one of the most outstanding Polish sculptors of the 20th century, and his works are deeply rooted in highland craftsmanship and tradition. The gallery is housed in the artist's former home and studio, which adds to its unusual, personal character. Visitors have a unique opportunity to see not only finished works, but also tools and unfinished works, which allows a better understanding of the artist's creative process.

For those traveling alone, a visit to the Antoni Rząsa Gallery can be an extremely inspiring experience. The artist's son, Marcin Rząsa, who looks after the gallery, is eager to share stories about his father's life and work, which gives the visit a very personal dimension.

The two galleries are relatively close to each other, making it easy to plan a visit to both places on one day. There are many charming cafes and restaurants in the area, where you can relax and enjoy local cuisine. For those interested in learning more about the region's culture, we recommend a visit to the nearby Tatra Museum, which offers a comprehensive look at the history and ethnography of Podhale.

The last but not least stop on our artistic map of Zakopane is the Villa Czerwony Dwór, the Center for Native Culture, located at 27 Kasprusie St. This is a place that perfectly combines tradition with modernity, offering visitors a unique look at the culture of Podhale. The villa is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the entrance ticket costs PLN 10 (as of October 2023).

The Red Mansion is not just a gallery, but a true cultural center, hosting a variety of events, exhibitions and workshops. The building, beautifully restored, is itself an example of Zakopane-style architecture, which makes it an attraction in itself. Inside, visitors can admire a permanent exhibition dedicated to Podhale art and crafts, as well as attend temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists inspired by their highland heritage.

For families with children, the Red Manor offers special educational programs and interactive exhibitions that introduce the region's culture in an accessible way. Look out for handicraft workshops, where you can try your hand at traditional craft techniques.

To sum up our artistic journey in Zakopane, it is worth noting that all the places we visited are relatively close to each other, which makes it easier to plan a tour. For those traveling by public transportation, most of the galleries are easily accessible on foot or by public transportation from the center of Zakopane.

When planning a visit to Zakopane's galleries, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

1. check the current opening hours before visiting, as they are subject to change depending on the season.

2. Some galleries offer discounts for students, seniors or families; it's worth asking about this at the checkout.
3. For larger groups or people with special needs, it is advisable to arrange a visit in advance.
4. Many galleries organize regular events and workshops - it's worth checking the calendar of events before you arrive.

5. For those traveling with children, we recommend bringing a small sketchbook and pencils - many exhibits can inspire young artists to get creative.

Zakopane, with its many galleries and museums, offers an extraordinary journey through the world of highland art - from traditional crafts to contemporary interpretations of the Podhale heritage. Whether you are a solo traveler looking for inspiration or a family looking to introduce your children to the region's culture, Zakopane's highland art galleries are sure to leave you with unforgettable impressions and a deep understanding of the rich culture of the Podhale region.