Palace of Culture and Science – Warsaw, Poland
The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw is the tallest building in Poland and the eighth tallest building in the European Union. The building was originally known as the Joseph Stalin Palace of Culture and Science, since Stalin himself gifted it to Poland, but in the wake of “destalinization” the dedication to Stalin was revoked.
The palace was built from 1952 to 1955 and its architecture is closely related to several similar skyscrapers built in the Soviet Union around the same era.
Since its construction, the building has raised a lot of controversy due to the relationship it creates with Stalin. Many Poles initially hated the building because they considered it to be a symbol of Soviet domination, and still today some of them feel that way.
As the city’s most visible landmark, some have also argued that the building destroyed the aesthetic balance of the old city and imposed dissonance with other buildings. In recent years, more “skyscrapers” have been built in Warsaw, somewhat helping blend in the Palace of Culture Tower with its surroundings. Still, many locals express their disgust with the landmark and joke about having big skyscrapers built all around the Palace of Culture to hide it from sight.
Whether Poles hate the building or not, it is now a symbol of Warsaw’s culture and history.
Interesting! I think even the famous TV Tower of Berlin was also built for Stalin – supposed to be the tallest building then – but they realized the mistake in their planning -that they couldn’t possibly make it taller than the tallest building of Moscow (that would be a sacrilege!) – so, kept it a bit short!
Oh wow, I didn’t know that, Abhijit! It’s so interesting the little historical details that are hidden behind the design of buildings. Thanks for sharing that!
Nice shot Norbert! The dramatic lighting makes for a memorable photo.
Thanks Samuel! Even though Polish people hate it, I think it is an impressive building.