Palace of Culture and Science
Warsaw's landmark tower is a building many residents would like to see knocked down. The 1950s Socialist-Realist wedding cake was commissioned by Josef Stalin as "a gift from the Soviet people." The symbolic intention was clear from the start: Stalin was marking his turf, and Poland was part of the Eastern Bloc. After the fall of Communism, there were heated talks of pulling it down. However, public attitudes toward the "palace" have softened somewhat. You can ride to the top -- 30 stories -- for a fine view over the city (but let's be honest here -- 30 stories isn't really that dramatic). The building continues in its role as a cultural and trade venue. One way of seeing some of the grand halls, Socialist-Realist reliefs, and wacky chandeliers is to buy a ticket to a trade fair (anything from books to pet food) being held during your visit or go to one of the many museums housed within. Better still, catch a concert at the Congress Hall (Sala Kongresowa), the venue where the Rolling Stones had their first concert behind the Iron Curtain in 1967.
Warsaw's landmark tower is a building many residents would like to see knocked down. The 1950s Socialist-Realist wedding cake was commissioned by Josef Stalin as "a gift from the Soviet people." The symbolic intention was clear from the start: Stalin was marking his turf, and Poland was part of the Eastern Bloc. After the fall of Communism, there were heated talks of pulling it down. However, public attitudes toward the "palace" have softened somewhat. You can ride to the top -- 30 stories -- for a fine view over the city (but let's be honest here -- 30 stories isn't really that dramatic). The building continues in its role as a cultural and trade venue. One way of seeing some of the grand halls, Socialist-Realist reliefs, and wacky chandeliers is to buy a ticket to a trade fair (anything from books to pet food) being held during your visit or go to one of the many museums housed within. Better still, catch a concert at the Congress Hall (Sala Kongresowa), the venue where the Rolling Stones had their first concert behind the Iron Curtain in 1967.
Details
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
