Within the historic walls of St John’s Church in Gdańsk, you can feel as if you are in a forest. A space designed for those seeking peace, quiet and contact with nature during the summer hustle and bustle of the city has just opened there. From 27 June to 5 July 2025, the Baltic Sea Cultural Centre invites you to visit a unique art installation called ‘LeŚnia’. It is a place that combines elements of art, ecology and sensory experience. The project is a response to stimulus overload and the need for a momentary pause in the intense rhythm of urban life.
An oasis of calm amidst the festival hustle and bustle
At a time when the Tricity attracts crowds of Open’er Festival participants, the St John’s Centre becomes a place of alternative relaxation. “LeŚnia” offers a space of tranquillity where one can breathe, listen to the sounds of nature and immerse oneself in a forest-like atmosphere. It is not a typical exhibition, but an open, dynamic installation that changes with visitors. You can sit, lie down, stroll among the trees or stay for a while. Each visit here is intended to be a unique, individual experience.
“LeŚnia” as a clashbetween Gothic architecture and lush greenery
The project was created in a space with a strong historical and aesthetic charge. The Gothic architecture of the temple was juxtaposed with vegetation and natural materials, creating a scenography with great visual power. The interior of the temple has been given a new dimension, and its monumentality is emphasised by the contrast with the organic forms of the plants. This juxtaposition opens up the field for new interpretations of architecture and the relationship between man and nature. The experience of ‘Le¶nia’ engages all the senses. The soundscape created by Marcin Dymiter induces a state of tranquillity, and the fragrance compositions by Bogdan Wójcik (Vetiver) complete the impression of a forest presence. The play of light designed by Maciej Knigawka directs visitors’ attention and shapes the perception of the space, creating an atmosphere that changes throughout the day.

Artistry and sustainability
The installation is enriched with performative and musical elements, appearing in unexpected ways. At various moments, one can encounter artistic activities prepared by Kasia Ustowska-Gmerek or live musical interventions performed by Antoni Michnik, Katarzyna Podpora and the NeoQuartet ensemble. Such moments are not announced in advance, which gives the whole experience a fleeting, personal character. “LeŚnia” was realised with respect for the principles of sustainability. The plants used in the installation will not be destroyed or abandoned – some of them have been borrowed and the others will go to private gardens after the event. The organisers emphasise that despite the temporary nature of the event, its environmental footprint has been minimised.
“LeŚnia” – a new look at the temple space
The St John’s Centre, which has been looked after by the Baltic Sea Cultural Centre for three decades, regularly hosts artistic experiments and activities that redefine its function. “LeŚnia” is another attempt to give this space a new meaning by combining the spirituality of the place with the need for tranquillity and contact with nature. “LeŚnia” will be available to visitors at the St John’s Centre at 50 Świętojańska Street from 27 June to 5 July 2025 from 10:00 to 22:00 (29 June from 14:00 to 22:00). Admission is free of charge.
Source: press materials of the Baltic Sea Cultural Centre in Gdansk
Read also: Gdańsk | Forest | Artistic installation | Architecture in Poland | Sacral architecture | Monument