Palace of Culture and Science

plac Defilad 1
00-901 Warsaw, Poland

Palace of Culture and Science

One of the highest and most recognisable building in Warsaw can be seen from almost every part of the capital. Where did it come from? It was opened in 1955 on the initiative of Joseph Stalin as a “gift of the Soviet people for the Poles”. Built by Russian workers, for a long time, it was considered to be a symbol of socialist power and the pride of People’s Poland – it was where conventions of the Polish United Workers’ Party took place. Since its very beginning, its monumental interiors have hosted numerous concerts, exhibitions, fairs and shows.

Currently, the palace is home to theatres, a cinema, museums, trendy pubs and the main Warsaw Tourist Information office. Go up to the observation deck on the 30th floor of the building and see the beautiful panorama of the city from a height of 114 metres.

Take a look at the socialist realist sculptures placed in the niches of the palace’s facade. Each symbolises a different field of science, art, technology or culture, for example a young man with a book of classical literature, a member of komsomol, an archer and a woman from Central Asia. In a direct line from the main entrance, you will find a stone honour tribune, from which the first secretaries of the Central Committee of the Polish communist party greeted those marching on the May Day parade.

In summer, the area around the palace becomes the arena for numerous concerts, theatre performances and film shows. In winter, it is a great place for skating enthusiasts thanks to the free ice skating rink. At night, the building is beautifully lit, and additional decorations illuminate special occasions.

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Parking

There will be 746 parking spaces available for use near the conference venue.

Entry gates:

Three accessibles from Emilii Plater Street (one near Jerozolimskie Street/Museum of Technology; the second near the Congress Hall; and the third near Świętokrzyska Street on the PKiN side dedicated to children) and one from Marszłkowska Street. Gates can be opened by picking up the parking ticket or inserting a proximity subscriber card.

Exits:

One leaving toward Marszałkowska Street (next to the historic pedestal for open-air speeches) and five towards Emilii Plater Street (two next to the Museum of Technology near Jerozolimskie Street; one next to the Congress Hall, and two near the swimming pool by Świętokrzyska Street).

Where to stay?

~ 250 M

~ 3 MIN walk

Hotel Witkowski

Aleja Krakowska 131
~ 1.5 KM

~ 3 MIN car

Golden Tulip Warsaw Airport

Aleja Krakowska 235
~ 550 M

~ 7 MIN walk

Hotel Gordon

Aleja Krakowska 157a
~ 1,7 KM

~ 3 MIN car

Air Hotel

Aleja Krakowska 42
~ 4.6 KM

~ 8 MIN car

Renaissance Warsaw Airport Hotel

Żwirki i Wigury 1H
~ 1.3 KM

~ 4 M car

B&B Hotel Warszawa-Okęcie

Aleja Krakowska 193

Tourist Attractions

Palace of Culture and Science

plac Defilad 1

Constructed in 1955, the Palace of Culture and Science divides Warsaw’s inhabitants into those who still hate it and those who learned how to live in its presence. This ‘gift of the Soviet people to the Polish nation’, offered by Joseph Stalin himself, has become one of the city’s most widely recognised symbols. The Palace houses a cinema, a swimming pool, four museums, four theaters, four universities and numerous coffee stores and bars. Visitors can also take advantage of the terrace located on the 30th floor, offering a mesmerising view of the city’s panorama.
Old Town

Rynek Starego Miasta

Included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Warsaw’s Old Town was completely rebuilt after World War II, based mostly on 18th century paintings by the Italian painter Canaletto. The heart of the area, guarded proudly by the Warsaw mermaid, is the Old Town Market Place with its restaurants and cafés. Visitors should also make sure to see the Barbican and St. John’s Cathedral, as well as explore the picturesque winding streets.
Łazienki Królewskie Park-Palace Complex

Agrykola 1

The park-and-palace complex Łazienki Królewskie has all the elements of a great city park: a lake with palace on the water, as well as a botanical garden and an amphitheatre with free plays, performances and Chopin concerts during the summer months. Located in the city centre and spanning 76 hectares, this park is a great place to visit on a hot summer’s day.
National Museum

Aleje Jerozolimskie 3

Fine arts aficionados should head to the National Museum where they will be able to find Polish and European art from the Medieval Ages to the present day. The museum is home to several galleries dedicated to polish art which include some of the best works from the country’s leading painters, including Jan Matejko and Józef Cheamoaski. The museum is also known for its engaging temporary exhibitions, so be sure to check out what they have currently on display before you visit.