The MDM Hotel, located at Plac Konstytucji 1 in Warsaw, is one of the most characteristic buildings of the post-war capital. Built as part of the Marszałkowska Dzielnica Mieszkaniowa (MDM) housing complex, it is an integral part of the urban and architectural vision of rebuilding the city after the devastation of World War II. Its construction began on 1 August 1950 and was completed two years later, on 22 July 1952, under the direction of the architectural working group of Józef Sigalin, with the participation of architects such as Stanisław Jankowski, Jan Knothe and Zygmunt Stępiński.
The MDM Hotel is located on the south side of Constitution Square, one of the main urban landmarks of rebuilt Warsaw. The square was the central element of the new urban layout, symbolising the modernity and socialist realist aesthetic of the time. The MDM Hotel was the first hotel built from scratch in post-war Warsaw.
1959 – Constitution Square. Source: Cornell University Library
The architecture of the MDM Hotel is an excellent example of the socialist realism that dominated Polish architecture in the 1950s. The building has seven floors and its façade, maintained in a classicist style with cornices and pilasters, harmonises with the neighbouring buildings. A distinctive feature is the two-storey arch on the eastern side, which turns into a wing stretching along Marszałkowska Street. The façade of the hotel is decorated with monumental sculptures of workers, some 4 metres high, which emphasises the social-realist character of the building. The flat roof, surrounded by an attic with a cornice, completes the harmonious architectural composition.
Over the years, the MDM Hotel has undergone numerous modernisations, bringing its interiors up to contemporary standards. It currently offers 137 rooms and 5 suites, as well as modern conference rooms, capable of accommodating up to 390 participants. The hotel also features restaurants with a picturesque view of Constitution Square. The MDM Hotel has played an important role in Warsaw’s cultural and social life for years. A special place in its history is occupied by the neon sign “Podróżuj Lotem”, which for many years adorned the roof of the building, being a recognisable symbol of the capital. The hotel was also the setting for the first scene of Andrzej Wajda’s film “Innocent Sorcerers”. In its heyday, there was a popular dance club “Pod Kandelabrami”, alluding by name to the three giant lanterns standing in front of the hotel.
The MDM Hotel is not only an example of post-war socialist realist architecture, but also an important witness to Warsaw’s history. Its significance goes beyond its hotel function, being an integral part of the city’s identity. Thanks to numerous modernisations, the hotel continues to serve residents and tourists, combining tradition with modernity. Its history, architecture and contemporary functions make it one of the most important buildings in post-war Warsaw.
Source: hotelmdm.com.pl, edd.nid.pl
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Hotel | City | History | Socialist Realism | Warsaw
