Google Street View in Poland turns 18 years old. This is how Warsaw has changed in that time

Over the past two decades, Warsaw has undergone an impressive architectural transformation. Particularly in the city centre, the dynamic economic development and growing aspirations of this one of the largest metropolises in Central and Eastern Europe are evident. The landscape of Poland’s capital is now dominated by modern skyscrapers, office complexes and meticulously renovated historic areas. Google Street View, which has been operating in Poland since 2009, enables virtual tours of various corners of the country. Thanks to regular photo updates, this service allows one to follow the evolution of urban space, including the spectacular transformations that have taken place in the architecture of Warsaw.

Varso Place, Cosmopolitan, Q22, Złota 44 and Skysawa – symbols of modern Warsaw

Among the key projects that have significantly changed the face of the capital, the impressive Varso Place complex (2022) deserves special attention. Erected on undeveloped land in the vicinity of the Central Station, it has become the new landmark of the city. Its dominant feature is the Varso Tower building, which measures 310 metres and is the tallest building in the European Union. The renowned Foster Partners studio is responsible for the design of Varso Tower, while the Varso 1 and Varso 2 buildings are the work of the Polish studio HRA Architekci. One of the pioneering projects in the residential high-rise category was Cosmopolitan (2014), which was built on Twarda Street on the site of the former “Sezam” shopping pavilion. Designed by Helmut Jahn, the 160-metre-high building stands out not only for its silhouette, but also for its luxury flats offering panoramic views of Warsaw.

Google Street View in Poland – Jana Pawła II Avenue in 2009 and 2024

Google Street View w Polsce

Zlota 44 is the iconic and most recognisable skyscraper in Warsaw, located near the Palace of Culture and Science. Before it was built, the plot of land at Złota 44 was occupied by a lower building from the communist era. The apartment building was designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. the 192-metre skyscraper was completed in 2016. The building has significantly influenced the cityscape – it has become a symbol of luxury and prestige. Another example of modern architecture, this time for offices, is Q22 (2016), which replaced the former Mercure Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn Hotel) on Jana Pawła II Avenue. Its glass block, inspired by quartz crystal, fits perfectly into the dynamic character of Warsaw’s business centre. The designer of this building is the Kuryłowicz & Associates studio. In 2022, the Skysawa skyscraper also left its mark on the map of Warsaw, taking the place of blocks from the communist era on Świętokrzyska Street. This modern building with a sleek, black silhouette consists of two towers connected by a glass walkway offering retail and service space. Skysawa’s undoubted advantage is its excellent location with direct access to the metro. The project was created by the Polish-Belgian Architecture Studio.

Norblin Factory, Warsaw Breweries and Powiśle Power Station – industrial history in a new version

An equally important aspect of Warsaw’s architectural transformation in recent years has been the revitalisation of historic industrial plants. These places, neglected for years and falling into disrepair, have gained new life, becoming popular spaces for residents and important points on the city’s tourist map. One of the most spectacular transformations has been that of the former works of the Joint-Stock Society of Metal Factories “Norblin, Buch Brothers and T. Werner”, which operated for more than 160 years at 49/53 Żelazna St. Today, the Norblin Factory (2021) is a unique place where history blends harmoniously with modernity. It houses office, retail and cultural spaces, as well as carefully restored elements of the former infrastructure. The project was developed by PRC Architekci studio.

Norblin Factory and Mint Legacy Tower, 2009 and 2024

Another example of successful revitalisation is the area of Browary Warszawskie (2020), which has taken up an area on Chmielna Street where the Haberbusch and Schiele brewery once operated. This place was until recently a reminder of Wola’s industrial past, and today it is vibrant with modern offices, restaurants and green spaces. The revitalisation was carried out on the basis of a design by JEMS Architekci. No less impressive was the metamorphosis of the Powiśle Power Station (2020). This once key power plant in Warsaw, after extensive redevelopment, now combines commercial, entertainment and cultural functions. The preserved elements of industrial architecture give the place a historic atmosphere. APA Wojciechowski Architekci studio was responsible for the project.

Mint Legacy Tower and New Sesame – the new face of Śródmieście district

The architectural transformation has not spared the very centre of Warsaw either. Mennica Legacy Tower was built on the site of the former Mint of Poland, at the intersection of Prosta and Żelazna streets, in the direct vicinity of the Norblin complex. This area has been transformed into a modern business centre. The elegant and unusual shape of the building and innovative technological solutions attract companies from various industries. The Mint’s design was carried out by Goettsch Partners studio in cooperation with Epstein. Nowy Sezam (Marszałkowska Centre), on the other hand, was built on the exact site of the cult communist-era “Sezam” department store, which was famous for Poland’s first McDonald’s chain restaurant and known to every Varsovian. The new building offers modern office and retail space and its design has completely transformed the appearance of the intersection of Marszałkowska and Świętokrzyska streets. The designer is the Juvenes-Projekt studio.

Daszyńskiego Roundabout – a new business centre

The area around the Daszyńskiego Roundabout, which a dozen years ago was mainly associated with old industrial plants, is now synonymous with modernity. Skyscrapers such as Warsaw Spire (2016, Jaspers-Eyers Architects and Polish-Belgian Architecture Studio), Skyliner (2021, APA Wojciechowski Architekci) or The Warsaw Hub (2020, AMC – Andrzej M. Chołdzyński) are modern office buildings with co-working spaces, ideal for dynamically growing companies. Their construction has significantly influenced the image of the capital and marked the new Warsaw ‘city’.

View of Daszyńskiego roundabout from Prosta Street, 2009 and 2024

Rotunda and Universal – modernity and symbolism

In the context of the changes in Warsaw’s landscape, it is also worth mentioning the redevelopment of two iconic Downtown buildings: Rotunda and Universal. The PKO Rotunda, one of Warsaw’s most recognisable symbols, in its original form was built in the 1960s and was a popular meeting place for many years. The 2019 redevelopment has completely changed its character. The original modernist building was demolished and replaced with a new structure that, despite retaining its circular shape and window layout, has been criticised as a caricature of modernist architecture. The design was carried out by the Gowin & Siuta studio. In addition to the bank branch, the new Rotunda includes a public space. Next to the Rotunda, the Widok Towers office building was built in 2021 to take the place of the Universal, a building from the 1960s that was an important landmark in the centre of the capital for decades. The new building features contemporary architecture with a glass façade and more floors than its predecessor. The Juvenes-Projekt studio was responsible for the design. Today, the office building attracts many tenants and meets high environmental standards thanks to the use of modern technology.

Skyline development and renovation of historic buildings

Warsaw’s skyline has undergone a spectacular transformation over the past 20 years. The skyscrapers dominating the city skyline today are a symbol of modernity and dynamic economic development. At the same time, the capital does not forget its heritage – numerous renovations of historic buildings, such as the Europejski Hotel, Prudential and Koszyki Hall, testify to its care for the past. Warsaw combines its history with modernity, becoming one of the most admired European capitals. With the launch of the Google Street View service in Poland, we can follow these changes closely.

Source: Google Maps, press materials, Warsaw City Hall

Powiśle power station