Krakow

AUSCHWITZWIELICZKA

  Podgórze         19 Jun 2024
This art piece by Mirosław Bałka criticises Kraków's tourist companies, many of which offer 8hr trips to both Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp and Wieliczka Salt Mine in one package. The 17-metre concrete passageway has the word 'AUSCHWITZWIELICZKA' - the two names mashed together as if they were one destination - cut out in the ceiling, through which light passes, casting these letters on different parts of the wall throughout the day.

While we completely agree with the sentiment of not conflating Auschwitz and Wieliczka, or including either of them in the top things to see for visitors in Kraków for less than three days, the impact of this artwork is completely lost at its new location. Previously located at the end of ul. Kącik with many tourists passing through on their way to Schindler's Factory, the piece made some sense there, but had to be removed due to construction on the Zabłocie train station. Relocated to this meadow in 2022, almost no one passes through the artwork now, and we also don't really need a huge concrete tunnel in the middle of an otherwise appealing green space. Hopefully the city will reconsider the location, but it seems it's here to stay.

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