Warsaw has been enriched by another extremely fascinating attraction for history lovers and others. A new exhibition space has been created at the Kamienica Theatre at 93 Solidarności Avenue, where from now on everyone can admire a unique model showing a fragment of Warsaw’s Śródmieście district from August 1939. This extraordinary work of art, originally only available to theatre-goers, has recently undergone extensive renovation and has been made available to the general public. The model of pre-war Warsaw has thus become an important point on the historical map of the capital, inviting Varsovians, tourists as well as children and adults to discover the former face of the city.
The model of pre-war Warsaw – history and symbolism
The idea to create a miniature of pre-war Warsaw was born out of the passion of the late Emilian Kamiński, founder of the Kamienica Theatre. The artist, together with Piotr Wielgomas, President of Bigram S.A., set themselves the goal of restoring the memory of the pre-war charm of the city, sometimes referred to as the ‘Paris of the North’. The model is a kind of song about Warsaw’s former splendour, which was brutally interrupted by the outbreak of the Second World War. Work on this extraordinary work began in autumn 2012. Based on archival photographs, maps, aerial plans and postcards, a section of the city was reconstructed from the Saxon Garden with the now defunct Saxon Palace to the Central Railway Station. Hand-made plaster details, carefully painted and placed on wooden panels, give the model realism and authenticity. The creators, Bogna Romańska and Michał Mroczka, have ensured that the scene is vibrant – people, vehicles and urban details allow you to be transported back in time just before the tragic events of 1 September 1939.
Modern space and accessibility
Following a recent renovation, the mock-up has been given a new exhibition space and modern multimedia technology, further enhancing the visitor experience. With the help of special panels, selected streets, squares or buildings can be illuminated so that it is easier to place them in today’s space of the capital, diametrically opposed to that depicted in the miniature. From now on, everyone can admire pre-war Warsaw without having to attend theatre performances, by visiting the exhibition every day from 12:00 to 19:00. Tickets are available at the price of 30 PLN for a normal ticket and 15 PLN for a reduced ticket (upon presenting a student’s, pupil’s or pensioner’s identity card). In addition, admission to the mock-up is included in the price of a ticket for any Kamienica Theatre performance valid on the day of the event.
Problems of the Kamienica Theatre
Although the Kamienica Theatre is an important point on the cultural map of Warsaw, it has recently had to face serious problems with the purchase of its premises. The whole project, which was supposed to ensure peace and the possibility for the theatre to continue operating, is currently being blocked by one person, which puts the future of the venue in question. The situation has upset not only the artistic community and the media, but also many residents of the capital, for whom the theatre is an important part of the city’s cultural heritage. Despite the adversity, general and artistic director Justyna Sieńczyłło and her colleagues are intensively seeking solutions to secure the future of this unique venue.
History and heritage of the Kamienica Theatre
The Kamienica Theatre was established in 2009 on the initiative of the late Emilian Kamiński, a respected actor, director and community activist. It is housed in a historic building from the early 20th century, which survived (though not without damage) the turbulent history of World War II. The building went down in the history of the capital as, among other things, a place where Jewish people were transferred from the ghetto. The theatre quickly gained recognition for its diversity of repertoire and its commitment to promoting patriotic and historical values. It is here that not only theatre performances are held, but also numerous meetings, workshops and charity events that win the Tenement House loyal audiences and supporters.
Source: The Kamienica Theatre
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