The Palace of Culture and Science (Pałac Kultury i Nauki, or PKiN) in Warsaw is an iconic modernist high-rise building constructed between 1952 and 1955. With a height of 237m, it is still the tallest building in Poland and the 6th tallest in the European Union. This 42-story structure, comprising 3,288 rooms, houses numerous public and cultural institutions and has been a listed building since 2007.
Designed by Russian architect Lev Rudnev, the Palace of Culture and Science resembles the "Seven Sisters" skyscrapers in Moscow, earning it the nickname "Eighth Sister." The construction of this monumental building utilized 40 million bricks and is adorned with 550 ornamental sculptures. Tragically, 16 of the 3,500 Soviet workers involved in its construction died in accidents.
In 1999, over six-meter-high clock faces were added to the top of the building, making it the tallest clock tower in the world until 2002.
Palace of Culture and Science - facade
Palace of Culture and Science - illuminated facade at night
The first concert of a major western rock group behind the Iron Curtain also happened inside the Palace of Culture and Sciences in Warsaw. On April 13, 1967, The Rolling Stones played here, a stop on their European Tour promoting the album "Between the Buttons".
Palace of Culture and Science - staircase
Palace of Culture and Science - staircase
At 114 meters, the terrace on the 30th floor offers a panoramic view over the city.
viewing terrace entrance
You may also like