Chopin Year 2010 will signal a number of important cultural events in Poland. One of the key events the opening of a new museum dedicated to the life and works of Frederic Chopin in Warsaw.

Work on renovating the old building which houses the museum first got underway in 2005. The institution dedicated to collecting Chopin memorabilia, has been located in the historic Ostrogski Palace at 1, Okólnik Street in Warsaw for many years, but its redevelopment has completely changed the nature of the former museum. While particular care has been taken to preserve the long tradition of the institution, the museum has gained a new identity which will enable it to meet the different needs of its visitors.

The world’s largest collection Frederic Chopin related items includes musical manuscripts, printed scores, Chopin’s correspondence, personal items (such as cufflinks and diaries), iconography, as well as biographical works about him and critical commentaries on his compositions and his reception as a composer.

The collection that was first started in 1899 by the Warsaw Music Society is located in the renovated Ostrogski Palace, originally a castle founded at the end of the 17th century by Duke Janusz Ostrogski.

In the 1680s, the deputy chancellor of the Crown Treasury, Jan Gni?ski commissioned the leading Dutch architect Tylman van Gameren to design of a magnificent palatial residence. The architect created a concept of a residence, that has never been realized. The present palace, built on the site of an earlier fortification, is located in the part of van Gameren’s design where the kitchen buildings were originally planned. Throughout the centuries the palace has served many different functions and was rebuilt several times in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In 1859 the renovated building became the home of the Institute of Music, and was renamed the Conservatory in 1919. This high-level music school was the successor to the Warsaw Conservatory of Chopin’s youth, then officially known as the Music Section of the Fine Arts Department of the Royal University of Warsaw.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a concert pavilion was added onto the south side of the castle, but it was not restored after the Second World War. After being almost totally razed during the Warsaw Rising in 1944, the palace was rebuilt in 1949-54 on the basis of a project by Mieczys?aw Kuzma who used the drawings by Zygmunt Vogel, sketches by Tylmana van Gameren and paintings by Canaletto as a model for his design. The aim of the rebuilding was to restore the palace to its former dimensions from the end of 17th century. This treasure of Warsaw architecture was rebuilt along the lines of baroque-enlightenment features and has been totally renovated in order for it to be opened in time for the bicentennial celebrations of Frederic Chopin’s birth. The aim of the permanent exhibition, established after extensive consultations, is to present the composer in light of period documents on display, while challenging the rules and limits of perception by employing new media. The entire project includes the renovation of the building, as well as development of the space and the design of the permanent exhibition. The idea is to create a space where visitors of different ages and levels of understanding about Chopin’s music can meet under one roof, while the contemporary artistic installations are aimed at members of the public who know little about Chopin’s music, his personality or historical context.

The architectural reconstruction project was prepared by the Grzegory & Partnerzy Architekci Studio. Their new concept of a functional museum was designed following extensive work, with the project seeking to increase the working space of the museum (the actual increase in space is 90 per cent) and to build a new concert hall.

The competition for the permanent exhibition design of the new Chopin Museum closed in August 2008.

The project presented by the Migliore+Servetto Architetti Associati firm of architects – which belongs to Italian architects Ico Migliore and Mara Servetto – turned out to be the best. The company has experience with the architectural designs of buildings and interiors, as well as implementing the concept of interactive exhibitions for museums and institutions.

The investment is financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the Operational Program Infrastructure and Environment. Care of the content of the Chopin Museum is overseen by the Frederic Chopin Institute. The Chopin Museum is the focal point of the Chopin Year celebrations throughout 2010 and also the most important national institution of the memory of a great composer.

- – It is a difficult task that we wish to accomplish, due to the complexity and specificity of the theme itself – says Alicja Knast, the Chopin Muzeum curator. – We are dealing with matter and the elusive intangibles that everyone receives in their own unique way: with music. Frederic Chopin and his work is, of course, at the center of our interest. The main question we set for ourselves, was how to show that wealth in a way that was accurate, but also attractive and undisturbing for the individual needs and preferences of the audience. Therefore, we do not limit ourselves to one medium and visitors won’t just be given headphones. There will be a choice of several sound options from audiophile up to live concerts. We want the museum to be a universal, inspiring and thoughtful place, corresponding at the same time with the individual needs of the visitors.

It might sound pompous, but I strongly believe that this goal can be achieved, primarily because it is essential to create a museum for the 21st century that gives credit to Chopin’s genius.

The innovation of the museum is mainly based on an individual approach for the viewer. Each guest will receive a ticket made with the use of the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Information about viewer’s preferences will be digitally encoded in the ticket. Depending on the their decisions and needs, the correct profile tour will be chosen. The use of RFID technology allows customization of the audio-visual content, taking into account four levels of narrative: basic, advanced, for children and for the visually impaired. Each level will be presented in eight languages. An omnipresent ‘soundscape’ which is based on its own scenario will fall silent in the room documenting the composer’s death. With the use of the light and sound the elements of particular interest to the viewer will be highlighted. Visitors will be able to choose any one of eight languages, and one of the four tour profiles.

The exhibition unfolds across four levels of the palace, and each floor’s exhibition will be devoted to the life and work of the composer from a different perspective. One will get familiar with the facts from different periods of his life, for example in Poland and in Paris. We’ll see works by Chopin, his inspiration, the women in his life as well as the circumstances surrounding his birth and death.

The Museum is focused very much on the individual, but the specifics of its construction imply a universality at the same time. The various elements and displays have been designed in such a way so that everyone in the museum finds something in them for themselves whether they’re schoolchildren, artists, or students seeking in-depth knowledge about Chopin’s era.

All these features allow the institution to break the stereotypical image of a museum as a dull, dead exhibition. Interactivity, self-selection and an extremely wide range of information from different fields will allow the new Chopin Museum to be both central to the Chopin Year celebrations and to act as a fitting national memorial for Frederic Chopin.

To celebrate the clash between England and France on the rugby pitch on March 20th, Lagrange have taken 20% off two night stays over that weekend in their Paris apartments. Two nights based on two sharing a self-catering studio apartment at the Les Rives de Seine property, arriving on either the Friday or Saturday night, is now only £94 per person – ideal for rugby fans who want to enjoy the match in Paris or anyone looking for an affordable weekend away in one of the greatest cities in the world.

Les Rives de Seine is a brand new property and part of the Lagrange City range offering self-catering apartments in city locations throughout France. Located in the Parisian district of Boulogne-Billancourt the apartments can be found at the end of Metro line 9, approximately fifteen minutes from the Eiffel Tower, in the heart of an exciting new business and residential development. More information on the property can be found at www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk.

The price of £95 per person for a two night stay is for accommodation only. Self-drive packages can be booked for an additional £69, whilst prices for the return Eurostar can be supplied on request. For reservations and more information customers should call 020 7371 6111 or email info@lagrange-holidays.co.uk.

Lagrange are the self-catering specialists to France, operating in the UK for over 25 years, with accommodation across the French coasts, countryside and mountains. In addition to city apartments the summer 2010 programme has something to suit all styles and budgets, from apartments on the Côte d’Azur to villas with private pools, or holiday homes in Brittany and the Loire Valley. Accommodation can be booked alone, or with self-drive or rail packages at a supplement. For a copy of the new brochure, or for reservations clients should call 020 7371 6111 or visit www.lagrange-holidays.co.uk.

Visit Paris this Easter to see the stunning attractions the French capital has to offer with the Paris Sightseeing Pass.

The Paris Sightseeing Pass gives access to over 60 top attractions including the iconic Arc de Triomphe, entry to the world-famous Musée du Louvre, and the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Cathedral, which holds special Good Friday and Easter Sunday services over the Easter weekend (3-5 April).

Users have priority access at the busiest sights to avoid queues, a free guidebook, and many additional deals, discounts and free offers. A Paris Sightseeing Pass includes a metro pass giving you unlimited travel on the metro, buses and RER within central Paris.
A two-day Paris Sightseeing Pass costs €89 for adults, €45 for teens (between 12 and 17 years) and €24 for a child (between 4 and 11 years).
A four-day Paris Pass costs €126 for adults (€63 for teens and €32 for children), and a six-day option costs €154 for adults, €72 for teens and €41 for children.
Check out all the activities on offer with the Paris Sightseeing Pass at www.parispass.com. The website includes a map tool to plan visits, details on all the included attractions, and full details of exclusive special offers including restaurant deals.
For more information and to buy a Paris Sightseeing Pass visit www.parispass.com, call +44 (0)1664 485 020.

With some of the worlds most exciting cities just a short hop away, city breaks offer a fantastic option for a memorable holiday, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, family holiday or last minute weekend break. For those seeking a vibrant, authentic spot to holiday, HomeAway Holiday-Rentals has compiled a list of the Top 10 best properties for a cosmopolitan city break. Head to Paris, the capital of romance and enjoy the high life in a lavish apartment in St Germain des Pres, or explore magnificent Rome from your own luxury penthouse. Take your pick from these or any of the eight other stunning homes in urban hotspots across the world and you’ll be in for an unforgettable city stay.

In addition, www.HomeAway.co.uk lists over 10,500 other city centre properties around the world, from cute compact studios to large luxury lofts. So whatever your budget there’s a huge range of chic city pads to choose from in Europe and beyond. What’s more, renting a private apartment works out much cheaper than a similar standard hotel and you get so much more for your money than just a room. Holiday rentals also provide separate living spaces, bathrooms and kitchens too. Even in studios or smaller apartments, kitchenettes are provided, enabling you to save money by having some meals at home so you have extra cash to splash on shopping and souvenirs.

Click here to view the Flickr photo album of our top 10 chic city pads.

Prices quoted are per property and correct at time of going to press.

HomeAway Holiday-Rentals favourite top 10 city pads:

1. London

Penthouse apartment with views across London and Hyde Park

4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7. £2,995 per week

www.homeaway.co.uk/p414907 – Situated in the Lancaster Gate area near Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, this gorgeous, bright apartment is perfectly located to make the most of buzzing London. Featuring large floor to ceiling windows in all rooms and a large reception area with baby grand piano and design furniture, the property also has a balcony decorated with trees and flowers, from where you can enjoy magnificent views of sunsets and the nearby area.

2. NICE

Charming antique apartment close to the beach and promenade

2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4. From £600 per week

www.homeaway.co.uk/p415038 – Located in an impressive Bourgeois well-maintained building on the 2nd floor with a lift, the apartment features a unique and full of character living room, with access to a small balcony. In addition, a large French Louis XVI armoire provides hanging and drawer space with a beautiful antique art deco lamp adorning the space above.

3. ROME

Penthouse located in the historic centre, with magnificent views of Rome

1 Bedroom, Sleeps 4. From £1,316 per week

www.homeaway.co.uk/p405802 – Within the historic centre, a stone’s throw from the Spanish Steps, this property offers magnificent views of Rome. The penthouse features a spacious living room with floor to ceiling windows leading onto the large terrace. From North to South East, the view spans over 180 degrees from the gardens of Villa Borghese, to Villa Medici and its gardens, to the towers of the Church of Trinità dei Monti, the dome of St.Peter’s and the dome of the Pantheon. The building was built in the late 1880s and enjoys the luxury of facing only parks and gardens in the immediate vicinity.

4. PARIS

Lavish apartment in St Germain des Pres

2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4. £2,303 per week

www.homeaway.co.uk/p406436 – Situated in one of the best locations of Paris in the 6th Arrondissement, this apartment offers ample living space with a luminous living area, comfortable bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and two modern bathrooms. It is adjacent to the Jardin du Luxembourg and was completely renovated to contemporary standards in early 2007.

5. BARCELONA

Antique apartment in the heart of Barcelona

3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8. From £1,228 per week

www.homeaway.co.uk/p69641 – Fabulous, antique apartment refurbished with exquisite taste for your stays in Barcelona in an incomparable environment, located in the city centre, the heart of the tourist area of Barcelona near Las Ramblas Plaza Reial, Palau Guell and Plaza Catalunya. The property features spacious living and dining rooms and three nicely furbished bedrooms, along with three individual balconies.

6. NEW YORK

Magnificent loft-like apartment in ‘Plaza District’

Studio, Sleeps 4. £1,316 per week

www.homeaway.co.uk/p416000 – Designed by AIA award winning architect Richard McElhiney, this condo has been renovated to perfection. This upscale, spacious, high floor alcove studio combines the best of boutique condominium building and beautiful apartment living in the hearth of Manhattan. You enter into the living space with its luxurious modern design, where a wall of windows South facing provide steady dawn to dusk light with city views. The property also features a separate kitchen with granite counter tops and state of the art appliances, marble bath, dining area, exposed brick wall and dark hardwood floors.

7. LISBON

Stylish apartment located in Campo de Ourique

2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4. £66 per night

www.homeaway.co.uk/p83922 – This is a charming newly restored Lisbon apartment, just a few steps from restaurants, shops and the famous 28 Tram that covers all historical Lisbon.The property is well equipped, featuring a comfortable living area and two colourful bedrooms.

8. AMSTERDAM

Beautifully renovated and totally restyled apartment in historical building

2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6. From £1,452 per week

www.homeaway.co.uk/p225701 – This beautiful spacious apartment is part of a 17th century house located in the oldest part of historical Amsterdam. Admiral Michiel de Ruyter was once the owner of this beautifully restored house. The property is located along the IJ-harbour where the proud ocean traveling vessels were anchored while preparing for their next voyage to the Indies.

9. PRAGUE

Classic apartment located in the elegant Vinohrady district

2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4. £1,216 per week

www.homeaway.co.uk/p530179 – This is an exquisite property featuring antiques that blend with modernity and unique Prague photo prints. The muted poppy and pistachio tones create a relaxed mode, to reflect Vinohrady, with its attractive townhouses, terrace cafés and antiques bazaars dotted around the quiet streets which slope down towards central Prague.

10. BERLIN

Chic apartment in Tiergarten Berlin

2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 3. £74 per night

www.homeaway.co.uk/p425145 – Considered a top location for the travellers, this luxurious one bedroom apartment is located in the diplomatic and embassy quarter in the centre of Berlin.The very light and surrounded by glass apartment is located on the first floor and is accessible by elevator.

Alsace is well known for its beautiful scenery, good food (it has more Michelin starred restaurants than any other region of France other than Paris), wine, and welcoming people. Now it also has a growing reputation as a golf holiday destination. For the 2010 season the region has produced a new golf brochure (Let’s Go(lf) in Alsace) which includes information on a selection of Alsace’s attractive, uncrowded and value for money courses which are ready to welcome golfers of all standards from the UK.

Listed amongst the thirty most outstanding courses of continental Europe and ranked No 2 in France by the authoritative Peugeot Golf Guide is the 18-hole, championship standard, par 72 Kempferhof course (www.golf-kempferhof.com) at Plobsheim, 15 km from Strasbourg. It was designed by the famous course architect Robert Von Hagge and is set in over 200 acres. Adjoining the course is the 29 room Kempferhof Hotel, located in a 17th Century stately home. The accommodation includes five suites, each one being dedicated to a famous movie star.

Golfers who like a challenge should head for the Golf de Soufflenheim course (www.golfclub-soufflenheim.com) designed by former Masters Champion Bernhard Langer. The course, within easy reach of Strasbourg, has 18 lakes and is set in 270 acres of peaceful, undulating countryside. However bring extra balls as Soufflenheim has the reputation of being the third most difficult course in France! The course hotel has 15 rooms and there is a club house restaurant and bar. Golf coaching is available for children aged 8-18.

Golf de la Wantzenau (www.golf-wantzenau.fr)is also close to Strasbourg and is an 18-hole course which offers free lessons on Sundays and has a specially designed training school for under 18’s. The course has a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar plus a pro shop selling all the necessary gear. For beginners there is a compact four hole course and synthetic and grass practice areas.

The Ammerschwihr Trois-Epis course (www.golf-ammerschwihr.com) is only 10 km from Colmar and is situated in a beautiful setting, surrounded by vineyards and forests. The undulating 18-hole par 72 course is 5,386 yards in length and offers a range of different challenges. There is also a 9-hole compact course plus driving range and a Pro Shop and restaurant. The four-star Domaine du Golf Ammerschwihr Trois Epis hotel is next to the course.

The Alsace Golf Club course at Rouffach (www.alsacegolfclub.com) has a links feel and beautiful panoramic views of the Vosges Mountains and the stunning Alsatian wine route. The par 72 18-hole course has a practice area with three practice holes and a driving range and the clubhouse is set in a historic water mill complex.

A favourite family orientated course is Golf des Bouleaux (T: 3389555507; E: info@golf-bouleaux.asso.fr) at Wittelsheim close to Mulhouse. The par 72, 18-hole course has an academy which runs lessons for both adults and children. It was built in 1984 and claims to be the cheapest golf course in Alsace! The course has over 90 acres of breathtaking countryside and a delicious restaurant offering a wide variety of dishes and Alsatian specialities.

Another course just 30 km from Mulhouse is the Golf de la Largue (www.golf-lalargue.com) which was built in 1988. It has an 18-hole par 72 course and a 9-hole practice course designed in the heart of a magnificent forest surrounded by ponds and lakes and crossed by the river La Largue. The club features one of the best restaurants in the region and Le Petit Cohlberg hotel is a short drive from the course.

Golf Planet Holidays (www.golfplanetholidays.com 01277 824100) offers a four night self drive break at the Kempferhof Hotel from £599 pp. The price includes two rounds of golf at Kempferhof, one at Golf de la Wantzenau and one at Golf de Soufflenheim, bed and breakfast accommodation based on two people sharing and Eurotunnel travel for a car and passengers.

Independent travel to Alsace from the UK is easy with Air France flights from London City to Strasbourg while British Airways and Easyjet fly from Heathrow and Gatwick respectively to the European Airport near Mulhouse.The increasingly popular train takes just over five hours from London to Strasbourg( Eurostar to Paris and the TGV Est to Strasbourg,Colmar and Mulhouse).

For more information on golfing in Alsace visit www.golfsinalsace.com or to discover all that the region of Alsace has to offer visit www.tourism-alsace.com. Copies of the new Lets Go (lf) in Alsace brochure are available from both organisations.

More than 40 press officers from all the French regions – including Paris for the first time – have now booked their tickets to come and meet with the UK press.

Members of the media will have the opportunity to pitch the best article topics and register for original press trips on each of the four exciting events taking place across the UK.

This week, check our dedicated website http://www.francemeetsthemedia.co.uk/ for a sneak preview of some of this year’s unmissable festivals and exhibitions.

Keep your eyes peeled for next week’s focus on quirky holidays, and if you haven’t done it yet, don’t forget to register on http://www.francemeetsthemedia.co.uk

=> Dates and locations

London – Tuesday 2nd March from 10.30am to 4.00pm
at the BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, W1J 9LN

Manchester – Wednesday 3rd March from 12.00pm to 3.30pm
at The Midland Hotel, Peter Street, M60 2DS

Glasgow – Thursday 4th March from 11.00am to 2.30pm
at The Millenium Hotel, George Square, G2 1DS

Edinburgh – Thursday 4th March from 5.00pm to 8.30pm
at The Missoni Hotel, 1 George IV Bridge, EH1 1AD

Never mind Rio, join the age old Paris Carnival (or ‘Fat Cow Parade’) on 16 February and march through the streets accompanied by trumpeters and musicians, dropping in on the many attractions the capital has to offer with the Paris Sightseeing Pass.

Follow the crowds to the Town Hall and be sure to stop off at the Basilique Cathedrale de Saint-Denis, the Fragonard Perfume Museum and the magnificent Pantheon, all of which are included in the Paris Sightseeing Pass.

The Paris Sightseeing Pass gives access to over 60 top attractions including the iconic Arc de Triomphe, the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Cathedral and entry to the world-famous Musée du Louvre.

Users have priority access at the busiest sights to avoid queues, a free guidebook, and many additional deals, discounts and free offers. A Paris Sightseeing Pass includes a metro pass giving you unlimited travel on the metro, buses and RER within central Paris.
A two-day Paris Sightseeing Pass costs €89 for adults, €45 for teens (between 12 and 17 years) and €24 for a child (between 4 and 11 years).
A four-day Paris Pass costs €126 for adults (€63 for teens and €32 for children), and a six-day option costs €154 for adults, €72 for teens and €41 for children.
Check out all the activities on offer with the Paris Sightseeing Pass at www.parispass.com. The website includes a map tool to plan visits, details on all the included attractions, and full details of exclusive special offers including restaurant deals.

The Hôtel de Paris invites you to celebrate this special occasion in a spell-binding atmosphere at the legendary “Salle Empire”. This package includes: two night accommodation in a superior double room, breakfast, VIP welcome with Champagne, Valentine’s Day dinner for 2. Rates start at 533 € per one night per two people (minimum two nights). Rates are commissionable.

The circus has always had a magical effect on the spirits of adults and children alike and each year the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival showcases the world’s greatest Big Top performers. Book your client’s stay at the Hôtel de Paris, Hôtel Hermitage or Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. Rates start at 405 € per one night and reserved seats for two people. Rates are commissionable.

ATOUT FRANCE is delighted to announce that 20 French regions, 5 counties and 4 main cities – including Paris for the first time – will come and meet the UK media on the occasion of France Meets The Media 2010 in the first week of March: in Dublin on the 1st, London on the 2nd, Manchester on the 3rd, Glasgow and Edinburgh on the 4th.

This series of events will be a one-stop opportunity to meet with French local tourist boards’ press representatives and discuss unique editorial opportunities for 2010. “Unexpected France”, the theme of this new edition of France Meets The Media, promises to unveil France’s secrets as never before!

Registrations for the events will open on Wednesday 13 January 2010 – more information to come that day in the next press release.

=> Dates and locations

London – 2nd March from 10.30am to 4.00pm
at the BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, W1J 9LN

Manchester – 3rd March from 12.00 to 3.30pm
at The Midland Hotel, Peter Street, M60 2DS

Glasgow – 4th March from 11.00am to 2.30pm
at The Millenium Hotel, George Square, G2 1DS

Edinburgh – 4th March from 5.00pm to 8.30pm
at The Missoni Hotel, 1 George IV Bridge, EH1 1AD