The monumental Palace of Culture and Science has towered over Warsaw’s city centre for decades. A dubious gift from Joseph Stalin, this skyscraper is often viewed as an unfortunate reminder of Soviet domination. See wonderful vistas over the city from the building’s viewing terrace and check out the Socialist-Realist reliefs, marble staircases and ornate chandeliers decorating its interior.
Examine the building’s austere architecture, which is characteristic of the Stalinist style. The tiered structure is similar to a collection of skyscrapers in Moscow called Stalin's Seven Sisters. Notice the clock on top of the palace, which features four 20-foot-diameter (6-metre) disks. Added in 2001, it’s touted as one of the highest clock towers in the world.
Constructed in the early 1950s, the palace was commissioned by Stalin as a gift from the Soviet people. The ulterior motive for this gift was Stalin’s desire to mark his claim of Poland. The 778-foot-high (237-metre) building is comprised of more than 3,000 rooms. Spread across its 44 floors are offices, restaurants, museums and libraries, as well as a cinema and a swimming pool.
One of the best ways to experience the palace is to see a performance at its Congress Hall (Sala Kongresowa) or Concert Hall (Sala Koncertowa), which are together considered to be some of the country’s most important concert halls. In the past, these venues have hosted artists including the Rolling Stones, Marlene Dietrich and Bruce Springsteen. Find out who might be performing here during your visit.
Ride the elevator to the palace’s viewing terrace, which is located on the 30th floor. Set 374 feet (114 metres) above the ground, this terrace offers panoramic views of the surrounding commercial district. Look for the Old Town in the distance and the Vistula River beyond.
The Palace of Culture and Science is open daily and has an admission fee for visiting the viewing terrace. The building is in downtown Warsaw. Walk here from the Old Town or from the central train station.
