Palace of Culture + Science – Poland

The tallest building in Europe on completion, this vast yet elegant public building was built whilst Poland was part of the Soviet bloc after the Second World War.

Profile

• Height: 231m
• Floors: 43
• Built: 1955
• Use: government office, museum, theatre
• Location: Warsaw, population 1.8 million

Background

As well as being the tallest building in Europe on completion, the Palace was the world’s tallest clock tower until 2002 (when it was overtaken by the NTT Docomo Yoyogi building in Tokyo).

The Palace was gifted by the Soviet Union, making it a symbol of Russian oppression for many Poles today. Yet the Palace continues to hold concerts, houses a university and holds other public events – many Warsaw residents have some fond memory associated with the Palace despite its history. This is especially true considering the rise of right-wing extremism; since the right-wing government has attacked it as a public building, those opposed to the government’s ideas have found refuge in it as a symbol of public-mindedness and community.

3,500 workers from the Soviet Union were housed in a purpose-built village called Jelonki in the west of the city, completing the build in just 3 years.

The Palace was built at a time when the surrounding areas were almost completely destroyed from the war.

• 

• 

Design

Architect: Lev Rudnev – the building is inspired inspired by the ‘Seven Sisters’ architecture of Moscow. The ‘blocky’ shape of the Palace is in an eastern European style and echoes socialist values in its use as a large building by the public.

The design is ‘luxury for the masses’ – the interior is adorned with marble staircases and chandeliers, yet it is all intended for public use.

The 30^th floor has a terrace serving as a popular tourist attraction with its panoramic views of the city.

• 

[Image credits for this page: designingbuildings.co.uk, calvertjournal.com]