We invite you to a screening of a film about Andrzej Wajda’s passion for architecture, his inspirations, and his influence on Kraków’s urban space and the creation of the city’s iconic buildings. The film, directed by Jacek Link-Lenczowski, offers a closer look at the Andrzej Wajda collaboration with architect Krzysztof Ingarden, who will give a talk before the screening. ICC Director Agata Wąsowska-Pawlik and Prof. Jacek Purchla will also speak about Andrzej Wajda. The guest of honor at the event will be Krystyna Zachwatowicz-Wajda.

 April 23, 2026, 18.00

Venue: ICC Kraków, Rynek Główny 25, Ravens Hall
Introduction: Agata Wąsowska-Pawlik, Prof. Jacek Purchla
Lecture: Krzysztof Ingarden
Guest of honor: Krystyna Zachwatowicz-Wajda

 
Andrzej Wajda’s Architectural Passions 

As part of the celebrations marking the Year of Andrzej Wajda, we will take a look at the famous director as an architecture enthusiast, whose passion and encounter with the outstanding architect Krzysztof Ingarden resulted in the creation of many buildings characteristic for Kraków’s urban landscape. The film presents the behind-the-scenes story of their creation. Among the projects featured are the Manggha Museum (1994) along with the Tea Pavilion (2000), the Japanese Language School (2005), the Europe – Far East Gallery (2015), and the Wyspiański 2000 Pavilion (2007).

 The documentary “The Idea is Paramount. The Architectural Passions of Andrzej Wajda”

is a recording of a conversation between Andrzej Wajda and Krzysztof Ingarden. The film highlights the director’s versatility as an artist, as well as his courage and tenacity in pursuing bold projects—including architectural ones—that were also shaped by his own creative work. The story of Andrzej Wajda’s passion for film is complemented by comments from Krystyna Zachwatowicz-Wajda and Kraków-based architects and art historians.

A year dedicated to the famous director

In 2026, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding film and theater director, the founder and benefactor of the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology, a senator of the first term, an illustrator, and a recipient of the Kyoto Prize and the Academy Award for outstanding achievements in the field of cinematography. A series of events accompanying the anniversary celebrations will provide an opportunity to explore the director’s work from a broader perspective. One of the key highlights of the program is an exhibition at the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology titled “Wajda: On the Centenary of His Birth” (March 8 – June 28, 2026).

The exhibition was conceived by Krystyna Zachwatowicz–Wajda, who presents a portrait of her husband through photographs, quotes, notes and working sketches she has selected. The exhibition highlights selected aspects of Andrzej Wajda’s life and their influence on his work. It explores themes related to his experiences during World War II, his fascination with painting, his creative friendships—such as those with Andrzej Wróblewski and Józef Czapski—the “Solidarity Carnival” period, the director’s civic engagement, and the Japanese elements in his biography.

Andrzej Wajda at the ICC

Andrzej Wajda also had strong ties to the International Cultural Centre in Kraków, a topic that will be discussed during the meeting by the director, Agata Wąsowska-Pawlik, and Prof. Jacek Purchla. The director was a frequent guest and a close friend of our institution. From the very beginning of the ICC’s existence, that is, since 1991, he served on the Program Council, holding this position continuously until his death in 2016. He was actively involved in numerous projects carried out by our institution, including the installation of Igor Mitoraj’s sculptures in Kraków’s Main Square. An essay by him can be found in the “Jubilee Book” published to mark the 20th anniversary of the ICC.

Organization:
International Cultural Center in Krakow
Krakow Festival Office
Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology
Kyoto–Krakow Foundation

This event is part of the celebrations marking the Year of Andrzej Wajda and accompanies the exhibition “Wajda: On the Centenary of His Birth,” organized by the Manggha Museum of Japanese Art and Technology in Kraków.