The ‘Pod Gigantami’ tenement house at 24 Aleje Ujazdowskie is currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation of its front façade. The works are intended to restore the façade to its historic appearance, preserve valuable architectural details and recreate the original colour scheme of this Warsaw landmark. The project is financially supported by the City of Warsaw.
The ‘Pod Gigantami’ tenement house in Warsaw
The ‘Kamienica Pod Gigantami’, also known as the ‘Dom pod Atlantami’ or the Strzałecki tenement, was built between 1905 and 1907 to a design by Władysław Marconi for the painter and conservator Antoni Jan Strzałecki. This imposing building exemplifies early Modernism with elements of Classicism and the Baroque. Its most distinctive feature is the massive sandstone figures of giants sculpted by Zygmunt Ott. The façade is complemented by wrought-iron balconies, pilasters and medallions designed by Teofil Godecki, whilst the entire composition is crowned by an ornate attic.
Conservationists are renovating the building’s façade
The front of the building has long been in urgent need of renovation. Cracking plaster and decorations had begun to peel away, but the worst damage was observed in the attic area. As part of the work, conservators will clean the façade, reinforce the walls, fill in any gaps and restore the balconies, balustrades and metal elements. This year’s grant from the Capital City of Warsaw exceeds 413,000 zlotys. In 2023, the portal featuring figures of giants and the gateway were restored, whilst the previous renovation of the entire façade took place in 1985, over 40 years ago.
A return to the historic colour scheme
Once the work is complete, the façade will be painted a light beige colour – in keeping with Władysław Marconi’s original design. The shade was determined on the basis of stratigraphic analyses carried out during the 1985 renovation. Analyses at the time showed that, at the beginning of the 20th century, the façade was a single colour; however, over the years, the historic layer had been almost completely worn away. The conservation work is scheduled to be completed this autumn.
The ‘Pod Gigantami’ tenement survived the war
The tenement house belonged to the Strzałecki family, known for their artistic and conservation work. During the interwar period, Stefan Przanowski, Minister of Industry and Trade, lived here, and during the occupation, the German armaments administration, the Rüstungskommando, operated from the building. The building survived the Second World War without significant damage. Today, it houses the ‘Pod Gigantami’ Restaurant, which features, amongst other things, a parquet floor over 250 years old from the Tarnowski Palace and a plaque commemorating the building’s founder.
Source: Warsaw City Hall,warszawa1939.pl
See also: Façade|Tenement|Historic monument|City|Warsaw|Architecture in Poland
