Warsaw opens a new modern art museum as it tries to leave Poland's communist legacy behind
The grand opening of new modern art museum designed by the American architect Thomas Phifer is taking place in the Polish capital, Warsaw
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — A modern art museum designed by American architect Thomas Phifer opens its doors in the Polish capital Friday — a minimalist, light-filled structure that is meant to be a symbol of openness and tolerance as the city tries to free itself from its communist legacy.
The Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw sits like a bright white box on a major city street. Inside, a monumental staircase with geometric lines rises to upper floors, where large windows flood the gallery rooms with light.
City and museum officials say the light and open spaces are meant to attract meetings and debate — and become a symbol of the democratic era that Poland embraced when it threw off authoritarian communist rule 35 years ago.
Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski said the museum's opening is a “historic moment for Warsaw" and that the project, which will later include a theater, will help to create a new city center no longer dominated by a communist symbol.
