Palace of Culture and Science

Warsaw, Poland

The Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Poland and the eighth tallest building in the European Union. It is 231 metres tall, which includes a 43-metre high spire.

The building was originally known as the Joseph Stalin Palace of Culture and Science, but in the wake of destalinization the dedication to Stalin was revoked. The building was conceived as a 'gift from the Soviet people to the Polish nation', and was completed in 1955. The structure was built in three years according to the design of the Soviet architect Lev Rudnev. Architecturally, it is a mix of Stalinist architecture, also known as Socialist Classicism, and Polish historicism inspired by American art deco skyscrapers. Currently it is the headquarters of many companies and public institutions, such as cinemas, theaters, libraries, sports clubs, universities, scientific institutions and authorities of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

The tower was constructed, using Soviet plans, almost entirely by 3500 workers from the Soviet Union, of whom 16 died in accidents during the construction.

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Address

plac Defilad 1, Warsaw, Poland
See all sites in Warsaw

Details

Founded: 1952-1955
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Poland

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

t kyrn (3 months ago)
When we visited, there was a free dinosaur museum and exhibition on the ground floor. The entrance to the 360 degree terrace and the entrance to the museum are different. Some parts of the dinosaur exhibit were real, but most were not. Still it was beautiful.
Praneeth Reddy (4 months ago)
I would suggest booking tickets in advance as the lines can get longer. Of all the cities I've been to in Europe, Warsaw has an amazing skyline and this is the best place to see it from. We went on a weekend in summer when it's open till 11PM and got to see a really nice sunset
Maneyo (4 months ago)
The dominant of Warsaw. Even though locals may not be happy for history of that building, I am really happy it wasn't destroyed as it was planned, I cannot imagine Warsaw without it. In night the building glows in purple color. Views from the top are stunning, after going down from the lookout terrace you can buy souvenirs in the ground floor, magnets are really cheap there. The only negative is the queue, you can stand there for a long time.
Budi Loonen (4 months ago)
This place is massive. Amd you get easily lost. But it got everything from bars restaurants and shops. The rooftop is very nice to see Warsaw from above. It’s a great view.
Rony Wang (4 months ago)
Highly recommended pick a clear and sunny day line could be long but spacious on 30th floor with fast elevator. The view from top is amazing. Soviet style building completed within 3 years in 1955, a gift from Stalin to Poland.
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