MY CITY, Warsaw with Tytus Brzozowski

Seeing the city of Warsaw through the eyes of Polish artist and architect Tytus Brzozowski is a very personal affair. Although the Polish capital offers the casual visitor a treasure trove of sights and sensual experiences, its modernity is a paradox for creative types who continually search for a link to its complicated past.

Meet Tytus Brzozowski

We recently caught up with Tytus, whose work presents the city of his dreams – full of decorative buildings, narrow streets and soaring towers. Using the elements of architecture and landscape that are characteristic of Warsaw, he creates new worlds that, despite their fairy-like character, are localized. In his paintings one can find intriguing, surreal elements, hidden threads and events.

Tytus is a graduate in Architecture from the Warsaw University of Technology and studied and worked in Finland where he was searching for severe Nordic art and design.

What inspires you in Warsaw?

Warsaw has an extraordinary history that makes it a very special place. The city changed dramatically in the 20^th century and for me on one hand what’s most inspiring is a pronounced nostalgia for the past and on the other this mood of very fast and dynamic development. It’s an exciting mixture.

What is your favorite activity?

I love walking around Warsaw, especially a walk north from the southern districts like Żoliborz. One can find so many spots of different character and mood going in that direction. My favorite activity connected to my profession is looking at old photos of Warsaw’s lost buildings. I like to ponder where exactly these pictures may have been taken.

Since it is such a green city, what is your park in Warsaw?

Łazienki Królewskie and Krasiński park. Both parks are very old and have beautiful historical palaces but their own personalities. Łazienki has a royal mood, with beautiful axis, a palace situated on an island and funny peacocks walking around. Krasiński Park is less serious, there are areas for different activities with big squares, places to play Pétanque, fountains etc.

What is your favorite monument?

The Sapper Monument that stands in Powiśle District close to the river. It is very expressive thanks to the huge pylons that surround the soldier. Not everyone knows that it was formed by three different elements found in the neighborhood.

Are there any ART neighborhoods in your city?

The artistic neighborhood is Praga, where many artists have their studios. One can find some examples of both prewar and modern architecture there (Koneser, for example) which makes it very interesting. Although it’s the poorest neighborhood in Warsaw, it is fast developing.

What is your favorite museum?

Definitely, the POLIN Museum. The history of Polish Jews is fascinating, and the building itself,  designed by famous Finish architect Rainer Mahlamaki, is impressive. The completed architectural form was inspired by The Red Sea Crossing.

What is your favorite neighborhood?

It’s Saska Kępa, located a few tram stops from the City Centre and much quieter and comfortable for everyday life. It’s a green neighborhood with big old trees and small houses built just for several families. The main street, Francuska,  is full of restaurants and cafeterias and there is a nice park and beach nearby – Poniatówka.

What is your “go to” restaurant and what’s your favorite dish there?

My favorite restaurant is  Liberte Bistro a Vinn Saska Kępa district. You can have a nice lunch there during the day but I also like it at night. All the dishes are good but my favorite is a fish soup served with orange.

Afterward, I recommend a visit to Lukullus confectionary – they have the most amazing cakes and excellent coffee.  I think it might be my favorite place in Warsaw.

Do you have a favorite restaurant for a special occasion?

Elixir located on Theatre Square. Traditional Polish cuisine is made in a very distinguished and sophisticated way here. You can also try the highest quality vodkas carefully selected for each dish.

Where do you like to go on a Saturday night?

The riverbank is always a good idea. The eastern side of the Vistula River is very natural, and you can sit on a beach, make a bonfire and watch the towers of City Centre or the Old Town standing on the Warsaw Escarpment. On the western side you’ll find nicely designed public spaces and loads of restaurants and pubs.

Are there any secret things you love to do in Warsaw?

There are some beautiful spots in Warsaw that are pretty unknown. A good example is Profesorska street. Try to find it, you won’t regret it.

What can you find in Warsaw that you can’t find anywhere else?

Something very much connected with Warsaw and its identity is definitely the  ‘W’ Hour. Every 1^st of August at 5 PM, absolutely everyone in the city stops what they are doing and stays absolutely silent for a minute or two to commemorate the beginning of Warsaw Uprising in 1944.

What would constitute a “perfect” day for you in Warsaw?

I enjoy Warsaw most on warm summer evenings, especially in August when it sometimes seems like there is something in the air. In the last few years a big attempt has been made to make Warsaw a “cycling” city. Thus, a lot of bike paths have already been laid out, and a convenient and cheap system of renting has been established. So, sightseeing in Warsaw by bicycle on summer days has become very attractive particularly through parks and beautiful alleyways like Ujazdowskie. It’s this kind of summer adventure that creates a “perfect” day.