For all the aggressive westernisation that has overcome Warsaw, the four decades of communism have yet to be completely erased from the face of Warsaw. You couldn’t miss this hulking giant of a landmark if you tried.
Lev Rudynev, the brains behind the equally monstrous Lomonosov University in Moscow, was put in charge of the design and set about making the building into one of the most notorious examples of Socialist Realist architecture in the world. Over 5,000 workers were ferried in from the Soviet states and housed in a purpose-built village in Jelonki, west Warsaw, where they were effectively cut off from the outside world. Working around the clock, it took them just three years to complete the Palace, which remained Poland's tallest building until 2021 (when it was eclipsed by nearby Varso Tower at 310m). In all 16 died during the construction, though despite the Olympian efforts of the labourers Stalin never lived to see his pet project completed.
Once inside the ground floor becomes a maze of halls and corridors, with chambers named after Eastern icons – Yuri Gagarin, Marie Skłodowska-Curie (a communist sympathiser), etc. Brass chandeliers hang over clacking parquet flooring, secret lifts lie hidden around and allegorical socialist reliefs take inspiration from ancient mythology – it’s easy to imagine Bond snooping around planting listening devices.
Visiting the Palace of Culture & Science
The building boasts over 3,300 rooms most of which are conference facilities or offices. In addition, the building - particularly the massive ground floor - hosts several theatres, a cinema, numerous bars, restaurants and cafes, and a tourist information office, as well as the National Museum of Technology and the Museum of Evolution. Guided tour of the interiors are no longer offered by the Palace's administration. However, external companies such as We Love Warsaw, Mazurkas Travel Poland, and Adventure Warsaw, do. In addition to the 30th floor's thrilling panoramic views of the centre of Warsaw, there is also a cafe. Buy tickets (25/20zł) online or from the ground floor ticket office (entrance from ul. Marszałkowska).
Comments
Anna
Who is the idiot hypocrite that wrote this description? There is a lot of similar buildings in US which you are so proud of but just before this one was build in different political situation you have nothing constructive to say. It's just shows the author has 0 knowledge of the architecture and his description its pure effect of Western brainwash.
Cathrine
Warsaw
I am from Canada and to me sure one of the best places that I saw i Warsaw . It is very interesting , magnificent , look a lot different from everything else and grand like a lot of American buildings.
Kamil
Warsaw
Thomas - Palace Sightseeing is possible go to www.creatours.pl
Thomas
Warsaw
what about palca sightseeing? Have you been there?!
Jerry Meents
I have seen this pc of ugly Russian architecture.
mackenzi
when's the best time to go?
John Morgan
When the Palace of Culture was first opened, the people of Warsaw used to say you got the best view of Warsaw from the viewing gallery - because it was the only place in Warsaw from which you couldn't see it.
gulle
Awesome