Renovation work on the modernist railway signal box, commonly known as ‘Grzybek’, has come to an end at Warsaw West station. The renovation was carried out on the basis of decisions of the Mazovian Provincial Conservator of Monuments issued in April 2024 and April 2025. The restoration of the building was aimed at restoring its original appearance and improving its technical condition.
Scope of the works carried out
During the renovation, drying of the building, restoration of the suspended ceilings and replacement of the window and door frames were carried out. In addition, the plumbing and heating systems were modernised, and conservation work was carried out to restore the original layout of the rooms. After the renovation, the building has regained its distinctive 1960s appearance while retaining its modern functionality.
“Grzybek” – history of the building
The signal box at 8 Tunelowa Street was built in 1965 according to a design developed at the Railway Design Office. The building replaced an earlier signal box from the 1930s. The building was entered in the register of monuments in 2023 as the only surviving element of the unrealised concept for the expansion of the Warsaw West railway station from the 1960s and 1970s. The location of ‘Grzybek’ between platforms 8 and 9 was intended to facilitate the future expansion of the station, which, however, did not materialise at the time.
Architecture and significance
The building consists of a main room in the form of a flattened cylinder, cantilevered by about 10 metres in height. Adjacent to it is a staircase about 15 metres high. Large glazings provide a clear view of the tracks, which was a priority for the designers from the beginning. The building is an example of modernist railway architecture, combining functionality with high aesthetic value.
‘Mushroom’ as a symbol of station modernisation
“Grzybek” has become a permanent part of the landscape of the Warszawa Zachodnia station. It is a testimony to the plans to modernise the railway junction in the second half of the 20th century and an example of the successful combination of functional and artistic aspects. The preservation and restoration of this building makes it possible to perpetuate the heritage of valuable railway architecture that has shaped the image of Polish railway stations over the years.
source: Mazovian Voivodeship Historic Preservation Officer
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The switchyard before and after renovation. Photo: WUOZ in Warsaw
