Playing Chopin benches

15 black benches, when triggered by a button, play a excerpt of one of the most famous works by the great pianist Frédéric Chopin as a tribute. The benches were primarily placed along Warsaw’s Royal Route (Krakowskie Przedmieście).

S it on one of the fifteen Chopin benches, press the button, and enjoy one of Frédéric Chopin’s masterpieces for 30 seconds. On the bench, there is an explanation in Polish and English regarding why the bench is placed in front of a particular building or object. You can also scan the QR code to access the audio guide. A map nearby shows the locations of the next benches.

The Warsaw Tourist Office is responsible for maintaining the benches.

The Bench Locations:

1. Saxon Garden: Southwest corner of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The garden is where young Chopin used to spend his free time when his family lived in the Saxon Palace, which was the site of the Warsaw Lyceum.

2. Saxon Palace: In 1810, Chopin’s family moved to the Saxon Palace because his father worked as a teacher at the Warsaw Lyceum, which rented rooms in the palace.

3. Kazimierz Palace: In 1817, the Warsaw Lyceum moved to the Kazimierz Palace from the Saxon Palace. The university was founded next door, and the building now houses the Rectorate of the University of Warsaw. It was common at that time for teaching staff to live near the schools.

4. Czapski Palace: In 1827, the Chopin family moved into the side wing of the Czapski Palace. Frédéric Chopin, at the age of 17, had his own room with a piano. The palace is now the seat of the Academy of Fine Arts, located across from the main entrance of the University of Warsaw.

5. Visitation Church: In Chopin’s time, this church held Sunday masses for the students of the Warsaw Lyceum, located in the Kazimierz Palace. Frédéric had the special task of playing the organ.

6. Radziwill Palace (now the Presidential Palace): On 24 February 1818, 8-year-old Frédéric Chopin played his first public concert here.

7. Warsaw Conservatory (no longer exists): The building was located on the east side of Castle Square, near the bell tower of St. Anne’s Church. Chopin studied composition here.

8. Miodowa Street: This street was the center of social life for the city’s wealthy, including young artists like Frédéric Chopin, who often frequented the cafés. The tradition is continued by the Honoratka restaurant.

9. Krasiński Square: The National Theatre building stood on this square, where Frédéric Chopin played his concerto in F minor in March 1830. It was also where he performed his last concert in Warsaw in October 1830 before leaving for Paris. Today, the square is home to the Warsaw Uprising Memorial.

10. Koźia Street: This narrow alley runs parallel to Krakowskie Przedmieście Street, connecting Miodowa Street with Krakowskie Przedmieście Street. The passage near Castle Square did not exist at that time. Chopin often used this passage and spent time at the café “U Brzezińskiej.” Today, the street offers a pleasant alternative to the often crowded Royal Route.

11. Wessel Palace: This is where Frédéric Chopin’s journey to Vienna and Paris began on 2 November 1830, setting the stage for his worldwide fame. Today, it serves as a courthouse.

12. Holy Cross Church: The final resting place of Chopin’s heart.

13. Zamoyski Palace: Chopin’s sister, Isabella, lived in this building and preserved her brother’s memorabilia. In 1863, an assassination attempt on the Tsar’s deputy was made from this building, leading to the eviction and destruction of the tenants’ belongings, including a piano by Frédéric Chopin.

14. Ostrogski Palace: Home to the Chopin Museum, the Chopin Institute, and the Frédéric Chopin Academy of Music.

15. Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park: The world-famous monument to the piano virtuoso. Under normal circumstances, free Chopin concerts are held in the open air here.

Main image © Walking Warsaw