Visual arts in Sixt’s Villa
Permanent exhibition of works from the Art Collection of Galeria Bielska BWA, temporary exhibitions, art workshops, lectures, meetings, screenings and outdoor activities in the garden – all these and more in the newly reopened Sixt’s Villa.
Standing in the immediate neighbourhood of Galeria Bielska BWA, the renovated villa at ul. Mickiewicza 24 opens its doors to enthusiasts of art and culture on 6 November, 2020.
Erected in 1883, the Neo-Renaissance Sixt’s Villa was designed by Karl Korn, a famous local architect credited with the construction of many other stately houses in Bielsko-Biała. The magnificent villa and its garden dotted with old trees, including the mighty gingko biloba, occupy a square area between ul. Mickiewicza and ul. 3 Maja. The owner of the villa, Theodor Sixt, was an entrepreneur, social activist, philanthropist and one of the richest citizens of Bielsko. After his childless death in 1897, and the death of his wife years later, the villa with the garden was bequeathed to the city. Theodor stipulated in his will that the house retain the original name Sixt’s Villa and forever remain the property of the city with no right to sell.
Currently used by Galeria Bielska BWA, the newly renovated villa offers a unique space for exhibiting artwork and providing educational activities in the areas of art and culture.
Following the inauguration on 6 November, local residents and visitors will be able to visit the long-awaited permanent exhibition of selected works from the rich Art Collection of Galeria Bielska BWA, which so far has been presented only occasionally at temporary exhibitions.
The villa also becomes the venue of temporary exhibitions, concerts, film screenings and performing activities, as well as a series of educational activities, such as workshops, lectures and meetings, all of these free of charge!
To begin with, we invite all visitors on 6 November to two exhibitions: “For Johanne and Anna” and “The Seed”, as well as other events accompanying the inauguration of Sixt’s Villa.
Agata Smalcerz, dyrektor Galerii Bielskiej BWA:
“The Revitalization of the Villa of Theodor Sixt in Bielsko-Biała” is a project implemented in 2017–2020 by Galeria Bielska BWA as part of the Regional Operational Programme of the Province of Silesia for 2014–2020. The concept of revitalization and the architectural design of the villa was prepared and conducted by Biuro Architektoniczne ARS Architektura in Tychy. Restored to its former glory after years of neglect, the house at ul. Adama Mickiewicza 24 is now the venue for a number of courses for senior citizens and children, which have been run since June by the Municipal Social Welfare Centre.
Starting from 6 November, local residents will be able to see works from the Art Collection of Galeria Bielska BWA in the newly opened exhibition rooms, and to attend various meetings which will be held in the renovated basement.
On the opening day of Sixt’s Villa, the house and its immediate surroundings will be used not only for contemporary art, but also for music. In addition to the opening of both art exhibitions in the halls and the basement of the villa, the public will have access to the garden which will resound with present-day music adding a modern perspective to the 19th-century villa and garden.
Note! Due to the applicable rules and restrictions in the pandemic period, please read the current Visiting Regulations before visiting the gallery >>
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More about the project “Revitalization of the Villa Theodor Sixt in Bielsko-Biała” on the gallery website in the tab About Gallery / European Projects >>
More about the revitalization and preparations for the opening of Sixt’s Villa >>