2024 International Polish Cultural Olympiad events

IPCO will consist of multiple entertaining cultural opportunities, only some of which are posted below. Please note that these are subject to review and more events will certainly appear in the final schedule.

  • The simulation of the Thursday Dinners – gatherings of artists, intellectuals, architects, politicians and statesmen organized by the last king of Poland at the Palace on the Isle in the heart of Royal Bath Parks
  • A regional pierogies cooking class and competition
  • Buzzer competitions in English and Polish at different levels of linguistic advancement
  • The Polish Diaspora picnic where the participants will have a chance to present how they cultivate Polish culture abroad
  • The ultimate Mickiewicz vs Słowacki literature and poetry battle
  • the “Basilisk trail” scavenger hunt in Warsaw Old Town, following the myths and legends known to every Pole
  • The Great Congress of the Polish Szlachta – a team-based simulation of discussions between the Polish Nobility
  • The Hotel Lambert (headquarters of the Polish emigration cultural circles and political society) simulation where you will be able to propose own ideas for how to promote Polish interests abroad through the lens of the Polish Partitions period
  • A Polish movie night
  • The great vocabulary family quiz on Polish regional languages
  • “The Skłodowska-Curie Prize” competition on Polish inventors, scientists and pioneers
  • A talent show including Polish songs and dances
  • The folk pattern art workshops
  • The great family trading game on Polish business and economy
  • The Dancing Fountains show watching at the feet of the Warsaw Old Town

Sightseeing opportunities

An array of Field Trips, featured below, is offered as an integral component of IPCO participation to all students, however outside of IAC’s events, Warsaw, and Poland more generally, is full of numerous festivals that are worth exploring. Those include Chopin Recitals in the Royal Baths Park, the Musical Gardens Festival at the Warsaw Royal Castle, the St. Dominic’s Fair in Gdansk, Open’er Festival (the biggest Polish popular music festival), Kraków Live Festival (music festival) and many more!

Field Trip 1: Museum of Polish History

In this museum you will learn the most important motifs of Polish history – of the Polish state and the Polish nation – with special emphasis on freedom-related themes such as parliamentarian traditions, civic institutions and movements as well as the fight for freedom and independence. To learn more about the museum and its exhibits visit their website.

Field Trip 2: Kampinos National Park Walking Tour

Located just outside Warsaw, Kampinos National Park is a must-visit place for all nature lovers. With the moose as its symbol, this park is supposedly a home to over 16 thousand species of animals, including 150 bird species. If you are lucky, you will be able to spot one (or more) of the 300 moose inhabiting this Park. Apart from the rich fauna and flora, it is also a serene place, perfect for walking tours.

Field Trip 3: Copernicus Science Center

Copernicus Science Center – a science museum standing on the bank of the Vistula River in Warsaw and a real paradise for science enthusiasts. The Center is the largest institution of its type in Poland and one of the most advanced in Europe. It contains over 450 interactive exhibits that will enable you to carry out experiments on your own and discover the laws of science – there everyone is a researcher!

Field Trip 4: Wilanów Palace

Wilanów Palace is a former royal palace located in the Wilanów district in Warsaw. It represents the characteristic type of Baroque suburban residence. The palace, together with other elements of Warsaw Old Town, is one of the most recognised Poland’s Historic Monuments. The palace has been listed as a member of the international association of European Royal Residences since 2006.

Field Trip 5: Bison Watching at Białowieski Park Narodowy

Białowieski Park Narodowy is known for being inhabited by the largest bison herd in the world (nowadays around 900 of these animals live there). As a result, it is the top destination for all safari-adventure seekers, but in a unique Central-European geographical setting. The experience starts early in the day when there is the biggest chance to spot grazing bison families. You can get lucky earlier in the day but even if you are too late to the game, there is still a wonderful nature to explore through a walk or having a delicious organic picnic.

Field Trip 6: Vistula River Kayaking

Warsaw is a perfect place for kayakers, because the capital is a very convenient and safe place to organize kayaking trips. Where? On the Vistula, of course! And that’s because kayaking down the Vistula is easier and more interesting than you think. Don’t worry, there are various canoeing routes – for total amateurs, for accompanied younger children, and for experienced canoeists looking for a challenge.

Field Trip 7: Polish Folk Experience in Łowicz

Łowicz is a city commonly associated with colorful folk culture and lies just an hour-drive outside of Warsaw. If you’re interested in arts and crafts, costumes with striped skirts and floral embroidery, this is the place from which they originated. The museum of Łowicz with a large ethnographic department offers a unique opportunity to explore rural and traditional Polish life.

Field Trip 8: Klemens’ Orchards

Klemens’ Orchards are located about halfway between Warsaw and Lodz, in Podskarbice Szlacheckie. On site you will have a unique opportunity to connect with nature, listen to its sounds, to the birds singing, smell how the pine and birch smell and breathe in some fresh air. In summer you can taste cherries straight from the tree or raspberries and strawberries straight from the bushes. Not only that, but there are also lots of great natural attractions like a huge sandbox, maze, obstacle course, rope park, mini pools, but also plenty of deckchairs, hammocks and shady spots inviting you to picnic together, and much more.

Field Trip 9: Day Trip to Kraków

The second largest city of Poland and situated on the Vistula river, it is also one of the oldest Polish communities, dating back to the 7th century. As a result, it is also a culturally rich place, known worldwide for its historical character and touristic value. There, you will have a chance to visit the Royal Castle, try the famous obwarzanek, listen to St. Mary’s Trumpet Call or visit the Cathedrals associated with the late pope John Paul II.

Optional Field Trip 10: Energylandia Amusement Park

Energylandia is the No. 1 Rollercoaster Park in Europe. It is located in Zator, in close proximity to the city of Oświęcim. Accommodating 106 mechanical attractions, spread over 43 hectares of land, it is a place of rest and fun for everyone visiting. The park is divided into 6 themed zones: Children’s, Family, Water Park, Extreme, Dragon Castle and Aqualantis. There are also restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlors in case you get hungry from all the fun you’ll be having all day.