The National Museum in Warsaw holds one of the richest collection of Medieval art. The best selection of items is presented in the permanent exhibition. It comprises the works from Polish lands as well as pieces created in other prominent European art centers.

Earlier periods of Medieval art are represented by a set of Merovingian goldsmithery, such as brooches used for fasting cloths, buckles, earrings made from precious metals inlaid with gems or glass. As for examples of Romanesque period, there are stone sculpture with figural and ornamental bas-relief decoration as well as one of the oldest wooden statue, dating from the second half of the 12th century or the first half of the 13th century. It is an image of Virgin and Child Enthroned (that symbolizes also The Throne of Wisdom) from Cistercian nunnery in Ołobok. 

The remaining part of the Gallery is devoted to Gothic art. The 14th century is represented among others by monumental Pieta and Crucifixus Dolorosus. These works were created under the influence of the mystic trend of theology, emphasizing in the extreme way expression of the Passion scenes.

Visitors can also admire a large collection of international gothic pieces with such achievements as figure of Beautiful Madonna from Wrocław and painted polyptych from Teutonic Knights’ castle in Grudziądz. Beautiful representation of Pieta, dated circa 1450, reveals character of Little Poland painting of that period, featured by the early Flemish and well as Italian artistic inspiration.

The set of painted and carved altarpieces with mobile wings is particularly rich in the Museum holdings. From Pomerania origins for example Jerusalem Triptych, presenting scenes from the life of Christ. It was commissioned for the Our Lady Church in Gdańsk. However most of altarpieces from the collection were executed by Silesian masters. The altar Annunciation with a Unicorn is one of the most outstanding example. Worth seeing are another Silesian works: representation of Way to the Calvary consisting of life sized figures and Jacob Beinhart Saint Luke Painting the Image of Virgin, reflecting the sculptural tradition of Veit Stoss. This scene is a characteristic example of turning the late Gothic religious picture into a genre one.

The transition period between the Gothic and the Renaissance is particularly visible in Sacra Conversazione representation, circa 1525, depicting Virgin and Child among two early Christian Saint: Felicity and Perpetua. It combines Gothic iconography with a Renaissance landscape, referring in the character to the South German Danube School.

Visitors to the exhibition would certainly have a chance to get familiar with the development of Polish art and its artistic connections with other European regions in Middle Ages.