Opened in 2016, this small modern building hidden behind the Hutten-Czapski Palace now comprises part of the National Museum's Czapski complex, along with the gardens between the two buildings. Dedicated to Józef Czapski - an exiled Polish painter, patriot, writer, critic, intellectual, 'Katyń survivor' and grandson of Emeryk Hutten-Czapski (whose famous coin collection is on display 100m away) - the permanent exhibit is a biographical look at his life via video interviews, archival materials and the personal effects he left to the city upon his passing in 1993. Though Czapski may be completely unknown to most (including many Poles), and his artistic-literary legacy is still hard to appraise after a brief museum visit, it is his role as a witness to history that makes this museum most worthwhile. Fantastic archival footage (subtitled in English) explains the evolving geopolitical climate in Europe during Czapski's lifetime, and shape his story into one that represents not one man, but an entire generation of Poles - the educated class that was obliterated in the fields of Katyń and the fires of the Warsaw Uprising, or somehow survived only to be exiled or imprisoned by the communist regime that followed World War II. Czapski's story also reveals the almost disgusting cyclical nature of history and politics, and the destructive folly of nationalism - a lesson as necessary today, as ever. Though small, it is easy to spend hours here exploring the multimedia exhibits, temporary installations, cafe and reading room. Tickets are also valid for the Hutten-Czapski Museum next door.

Average visiting time: 45 mins.