Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw, Poland

The Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Poland and the eighth tallest building in the European Union. It is 231 metres tall, which includes a 43-metre high spire.

The building was originally known as the Joseph Stalin Palace of Culture and Science, but in the wake of destalinization the dedication to Stalin was revoked. The building was conceived as a 'gift from the Soviet people to the Polish nation', and was completed in 1955. The structure was built in three years according to the design of the Soviet architect Lev Rudnev. Architecturally, it is a mix of Stalinist architecture, also known as Socialist Classicism, and Polish historicism inspired by American art deco skyscrapers. Currently it is the headquarters of many companies and public institutions, such as cinemas, theaters, libraries, sports clubs, universities, scientific institutions and authorities of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

The tower was constructed, using Soviet plans, almost entirely by 3500 workers from the Soviet Union, of whom 16 died in accidents during the construction.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Mildred Mugauri (2 years ago)
The view from the top is breathtaking. Right now it tends to be extremely cold so cover up when u go up. It was quite quick as well, i did not wait up for long, AND they have a special fee for students. I could see almost all of Warsaw's landmarks from above it is really beautiful.

Krisztian Cseh (2 years ago)
Cool place, it is defenetly worth the visit if in Warsaw. Climb up to the top, to enjoy an amazing view over the city. Secret tip: go at night ;)

Vladimir Bogosavljevic (2 years ago)
Perfect example of Soviet architecture, landmark unmissable in Warsaw. Used to be visible from half of Poland still standing tall in the middle of Polish capital. Astonishing view on complete Warsaw for couple of euros, don't miss it any time you visit this city. Also, modern skyscrapers look completely different from the ground level and from this bird perspective.

Jahnabi Basumatary (2 years ago)
Interesting for kids especially. A lot to learn about the culture of Poland, especially in the communism era. The view from the top is quite spectacular. For Poland, Warsaw is a happening place to be in. I would definitely recommend a visit for everyone.

Oskar Wilkon (2 years ago)
The palace itself is very beautiful and impressing, but I have to say that it didn't feel worth the wait or the money to go to the top of the building. The reason for my high rating is that there are a couple of very cool and interesting museums in the building. I definately recommend to check them out.

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Les Invalides is a complex of buildings containing museums and monuments, all relating to the military history of France, as well as a hospital and a retirement home for war veterans, the building"s original purpose. The buildings house the Musée de l"Armée, the military museum of the Army of France, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, and the Musée d"Histoire Contemporaine, as well as the burial site for some of France"s war heroes, notably Napoleon Bonaparte.

Louis XIV initiated the project in 1670, as a home and hospital for aged and unwell soldiers: the name is a shortened form of hôpital des invalides. The architect of Les Invalides was Libéral Bruant. The enlarged project was completed in 1676, the river front measured 196 metres and the complex had fifteen courtyards. Jules Hardouin Mansart assisted the aged Bruant, and the chapel was finished in 1679 to Bruant"s designs after the elder architect"s death.

Shortly after the veterans" chapel was completed, Louis XIV commissioned Mansart to construct a separate private royal chapel referred to as the Église du Dôme from its most striking feature. Inspired by St. Peter"s Basilica in Rome, the original for all Baroque domes, it is one of the triumphs of French Baroque architecture. The domed chapel is centrally placed to dominate the court of honour. It was finished in 1708.

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The building retained its primary function of a retirement home and hospital for military veterans until the early twentieth century. In 1872 the musée d"artillerie (Artillery Museum) was located within the building to be joined by the Historical Museum of the Armies in 1896. The two institutions were merged to form the present musée de l"armée in 1905. At the same time the veterans in residence were dispersed to smaller centres outside Paris. The reason was that the adoption of a mainly conscript army, after 1872, meant a substantial reduction in the numbers of veterans having the twenty or more years of military service formerly required to enter the Hôpital des Invalides. The building accordingly became too large for its original purpose. The modern complex does however still include the facilities detailed below for about a hundred elderly or incapacitated former soldiers.

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