Warsaw in 2025: Culture, New Openings, and City Changes
From long-awaited film productions to landmark events and new public spaces, 2025 marked a year of cultural momentum in Warsaw. Explore the events, places, and trends that shaped the capital over the past twelve months.
The end of the year naturally invites reflection. It is a moment to look back, identify patterns, and trace the shifts that have shaped the past twelve months. For Warsaw, 2025 proved to be a year of abundance: both the cultural scene - spanning music, visual arts, and design - and the city’s infrastructure evolved, revealing new forms and directions.
Let's take a closer look at the moments that defined Warsaw in 2025.
„Lalka” movie
Few film productions have been as closely tied to Warsaw this year as the new adaptations of The Doll (Lalka), Bolesław Prus’s iconic novel. In fact, there are two: a feature film produced by Gigant Films production company and a six-episode Netflix series. Both are set in Warsaw, with streets around Nowy Świat, Krakowskie Przedmieście and Łazienki Królewskie temporarily transformed into 19th-century scenery.
While residents experienced minor disruptions to daily movement, they were also given a rare opportunity to witness elaborate sets, period costumes, and carefully crafted props. A replica of Wokulski’s shop was even constructed on Nowy Świat - where you can see it until mid-February. These highly anticipated productions are set to premiere in 2026 and are already among the most talked-about cultural projects linked to the city.
A celebrity visit
In 2025, Warsaw had the pleasure of hosting famous figures. We recently wrote about Robert De Niro, who visited the city in connection with his Nobu Hotel, also dining with figures from Warsaw’s cultural and social scene.
Earlier in the year, the capital briefly became home to another global icon - Will Smith, who attended the Top Charity Auction organised by Omenaa Mensah. On a different day he also met with former Polish president Lech Wałęsa.
Warsaw also caught the attention of singer Rosalía, who recorded the music video for her track Berghain in the city which, in a short time, gained millions of views and was met with a positive reception. During her stay, the star not only filmed but also explored various corners of Warsaw and sampled Polish cuisine. She visited the iconic milk bar Rusałka, used public transport, and strolled around the area near the Warsaw Zoo.
Rosalía in Warsaw while filming the music video for her track Berghain, Warsaw 2025. Photo: Instagram @rosalia.vt
Numerous Polish accents can be spotted both in her music video and on her Instagram, where she shared photos from the capital.
Michelin recognition
This year marked another milestone for Warsaw’s culinary scene. The number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the city increased, with HUB Praga in Praga Północ joining Nuta and Rozbrat 20 among the awardees. In addition, as many as 15 Warsaw restaurants - including Epoka, La Luce, and Rusiko - were recognised in the Michelin Guide’s recommended selection.
The Michelin Keys programme, now in its second year, also brought distinctions to Warsaw hotels. Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, received one Michelin Key, while Raffles Europejski Warsaw was awarded two Keys for its exceptional guest experience.
The Chopin Competition
It would be impossible not to mention the International Chopin Piano Competition, held in Warsaw this October. The 19th edition of the competition took place at the National Philharmonic, with the American pianist Eric Lu taking first prize. The Polish contestant secured an impressive fifth place.
The event drew classical music enthusiasts from around the world, and for the duration of the auditions, all nearby construction works were temporarily halted.
Urban transformations and infrastructure changes
Warsaw continues to evolve, reshaping its urban landscape year by year. In 2025, several long-awaited projects reached completion: sections of Chmielna and Marszałkowska streets reopened. Chmielna was refreshed with more greenery. Marszałkowska, in turn, was adapted to accommodate a new ground-level crossing and prepared for future greening - but it was also narrowed, which isn’t ideal for such a busy street.
Warszawa Zachodnia railway station unveiled a more modern look, and although the renovation is ongoing, a new underground passage connecting Wola and Ochota was opened to the public. Warsaw Central Station also saw minor modernization works.
Towarowa 22 entered a new phase of development, with its first sections opened to the public - residents can now walk through and explore the area, with a few food spots already in place. Another highlight was the opening of the observation terrace at Varso Tower - the tallest building in Europe. Located on the 53rd floor, it offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.
Art and culture
From left: Romantic Brutalism, an exhibition of Polish design at Gawroński Villa / Warsaw–São Paulo–Warsaw, an exhibition of modernist works by Jorge (Jerzy) Zalszupin at the Gawroński Villa, Warsaw 2025. Photo: Warsawslook
Art and design played a central role in Warsaw’s cultural life throughout 2025. Alongside major museums, smaller historic spaces - such as the Gawroński Villa, hosted exhibitions dedicated to contemporary design. Particularly memorable were the exhibitions Romantic Brutalism - which came to the Polish capital straight from Milan, where it received a very positive reception - and Warsaw – São Paulo – Warsaw dedicated to the great Polish architect Jerzy Zalszupin, presenting a collection of his works and iconic furniture designs.
From left: Karol Tchorek’s studio on Smolna Street / bronze “Tindaro” sculpture by Igor Mitoraj at Plac Defilad, Warsaw 2025. Photo: Warsawslook
Visitors were also given access to the studio of Karol Tchorek, where works and personal archives of the renowned Polish sculptor are preserved. Much attention was also drawn to Igor Mitoraj’s sculpture Tindaro, which was auctioned for a 6.89 million PLN. The work is currently installed on Plac Centralny in front of the Palace of Culture and Science, where it is accessible to the public.
Lifestyle trends
One of the most notable lifestyle trends of 2025 was the rise of coffee rave mornings - a format that originated in major European cities and quickly found its place in Warsaw. These daytime events combine DJ sets and dancing, but instead of late nights and cocktails, they take place on weekend mornings with coffee and matcha in hand.
The trend reflects changing social habits among Gen Z and millennials, who drink less alcohol and place greater value on sleep and balance. In Warsaw, such events were hosted by venues including The Cool Cat and HOOD, with their vibrant atmosphere widely shared on social media. All signs suggest the trend will continue into the new year.
Another growing phenomenon is the rise of running clubs. Increasingly, Warsaw residents are choosing to run together rather than alone, forming communities such as Social Running Club and Run Girl Run. Cafés have also begun organising group runs, where exercise is followed by coffee and conversation. One such initiative emerged at Rugs & more café, blending movement with social connection.
The bloom of the titan arum
2025 was a particularly special year for the University of Warsaw Botanical Garden. After four years - and only for the second time in its history - the garden witnessed the bloom of Amorphophallus titanum, commonly known as the titan arum. This remarkable plant produces a massive, spectacular inflorescence that lasts for only about two days. The bloom sparked widespread interest beyond botanical circles and was extensively documented on both social media and television. For a brief moment, the titan arum became one of the most talked-about subjects in the city.
The role of dance
Dance played a significant role in Warsaw’s social life this year. Dance gatherings (potańcówki) proved hugely popular, with notable events organised by Café Pląs (run by Maciej Musiał) and the Academy of Fine Arts (ASP). Featuring live music and a diverse audience spanning generations, these events brought together art, music, and community.
Continuing this momentum, the City of Warsaw has transformed the former temporary building of the Museum of Modern Art at Powiśle into the Pavilion of Dance and Other Performing Arts. The space will host events dedicated to performance, movement, and dance. Final works are underway, with the official opening scheduled for 8 January 2026.
Sia P.
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