Palace of Culture and Science, Warsaw

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"When we saw it immediately we thought in the Giralda in Seville, but much bigger"
The Palace of Culture is the tallest building in Poland, 230 m excluding the tower , and also for a short time was the world's largest
This building it was a present the Soviet Union under Stalin, but the Poles saw it as a symbol of Soviet domination
"Cuando la vimos pensamos inmediátamente en La giralda de Sevilla , pero en mucho más grande "
El palacio de la Cultura es el edificio más alto de Polonia , 230 m sin contar la torre y aunque por poco tiempo fue también el mayor del mundo
Este edificio lo regaló la Unión Soviética en la época de Stalin , pero los polacos lo consideraron como un símbolo de la dominación Soviética

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Among Europe's big cities, Warsaw is among those who can show the most skyscrapers in its skyline. The most significant in Warsaw's skyline however is not one of those glass and steel monsters, but an example of Socialist Classicism (commonly known as Stalinist Architecture). Built between 1952 and 1955, the “Palace of Culture and Science” still is among the 200 highest buildings in the world. The name of the sponsor, Josef Stalin, was present in many forms in the building. That includes a statue holding a book with the name of communist leaders on it (Marx, Engels, Lenin and Stalin). At most places, his name was eradicated in the era of de-stalinization and you can still see the plastered part of the book where Stalin's name used to be.
The building has always been perceived as a symbol for Soviet dominance over Poland and was never really loved. However, it became a landmark of Warsaw and it would surely be missed, if it would disappear. This ambivalence of Warsaw's citizens earned the building many nicknames, ranging from Soviet Wedding Cake (popular nickname for a similar building in Riga too) to Stalin's revenge. Today it houses offices, conference venues, museums, exhibitions and a platform on the 30th floor from which you can get an excellent view over Warsaw. A common joke was that it is the best view of the city – the only place from which you don't have to see the building itself. The fee is 20 Zloty (2010), but not worth the price on one of those foggy December evenings...

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The Palace of Culture and Science was a gift from the Soviet Union. At a height of 231 metres it dominates the Warsaw skyline, even though other new buildings are now springing up around it. Work first began on it in May 1952 and it was completed at the end of 1955.

Opinions on the building are divided. From the top, however, you can get some fine views of the city. The vast majority of Poles within the city seem to dislike the building intensely. It is very similar to a building to be found in Moscow on which the design was based.

Inside the Palace you can find several exhibitions . On one visit there was a football exhibition and this time there was a fascinating exhibiton on time. It explained the different concepts of time. There are also theatres, cinemas and shops. You can go up to 30th floor (of a total of 42) by lift to the viewing terrace. From here you can see much of the city on a bright day.

Open daily 9am-8pm

Admission
Adults 20PLN, Students 15PLN,

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Palace of Culture and science seems to be one of the most significant examples of Soviet architecture worldwide. It is declared as a gift from Stalin to Pole people, but I guess not so much locals today like this structure.

It was built in 1952, structure is a place for more than 3000 rooms, also is 231 meters high. Nowadays it is the tallest building in Warsaw. I should say it is more impressive due to big size, but not architecture.

Actually for 20 zloty (5,10 euros) it is possible to lift up to see panorama of Warsaw, but I thought it is too much overpriced, so used St. Ann’s church as a platform.

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The Palace of Culture and Science (Palac Kultury i Nauki) dominates the silhouette of Warsaw. It was built between 1952 and 1955 as a sort of gift from the Soviet Union.

At 231 m it is still the tallest structure in Poland. The viewing platform on the 30th floor offers magnificient views of the city centre and the surrounding area.

Directions:
The Palace of Culture and Science can't be missed as it is located right in the heart of Warsaw (Plac Defilad 1); just next to the main train station.

Address:
Palac Kultury i Nauki , Plac Defilad 1, Warszawa

Website: http://www.pkin.pl/

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A gift from the old Soviet Union apparently, anyway a landmark building on our travels around the city. Worth the 20zl for the ride up to the observation deck (photos later) and investigate the scientific displays on the ground floor before you enter the lift.

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This is a somewhat smaller version of the Soviet Parliament building in Moscow. It was Stalin's "gift" to the Poles. This huge tower has become an exhibition center. Local people have dubbed it the "Wedding Cake". I didn't go inside.

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This building 231 m high and covering a large area has been described as 'fearsome'. It is the tallest and largest structure in Warsaw, though other large buildings have been built in modern times. It makes an excellent marker for those who get lost [as we did one day].
It was commissioned by Stalin as a 'gift' from the Soviet People in 1955. It's reception was, however, mixed.
Entry to the museum of science is from Al. Jerozolimskie . It opens Tuesday- Sunday at 9.39 am till 4.30 pm. and costs 8zt, or 5zt reduced. Among the exhibits is the Enigma Coding Machine, which was cracked by Polish scientists.
The Planetarium shows are Tuesday-Saturday at 9.30 am-, 11.30, 13.30, 15.30
and on Sundays at 12 noon, 14.00 and 16.00,
Many people visit the viewing platform on the 30th floor, but not me with my fear of heights.
It takes 25 seconds for the elevator to reach the 30th floor. If it is windy, it can be very cold. It is open from 9.00 -18.00 and costs 20zt or 15zt reduced.