It's time for Central Square - a party for everyone at the beginning

The reconstruction of part of Plac Defilad as part of the New Center of Warsaw has been completed. Plac Centralny was created in front of the Palace of Culture and Science. You can see the layout of the alleys and the outlines of pre-war streets and tenement houses. The unnecessary concrete has been replaced by greenery and trees. A new place for everyday meetings and cultural events has appeared. The official opening of the square - with music and other attractions - tomorrow, Wednesday, June 4, from 6:30 p.m.

Plac Defilad at the height of Złota Street was a huge concrete space. The concept of its reconstruction assumed the creation of a more intimate and green square, which would increase the attractiveness of the city center. The works lasted almost two years and have just been completed. Their effects can already be admired.

Lots of greenery

Greenery is an important part of the square. Gardeners planted almost 550 shrubs and over 81 thousand bulbous plants and perennials. They added as many as 102 trees. These include linden trees, ashes, honey locusts, dogwoods, kelps, ginkgos and magnolias. The tallest specimens are over seven meters high, the lowest – about three. Benches have been placed around the trees so that you can relax in the shade. Visitors to the square have a total of 106 benches and seats at their disposal.

The trees were placed in special anti-compression cells, resembling large boxes. They were filled with soil rich in nutrients. Thanks to this, the trees are immediately provided with the "food" needed for development. Water is supplied to them by an underground network of pipelines. Under the surface of the square, there are four retention tanks, the task of which is to collect rainwater.

Five types of stone

The square was created between the Museum of Modern Art and the Palace of Culture and Science. It connects the central part of Plac Defilad with the park at the intersection of Świętokrzyska and Marszałkowska streets. The layout of the sidewalks and greenery reflects the network of pre-war streets and the outlines of buildings. It is a historical nod to the residents and tourists visiting this place.

The surface of the square consists of five different types of stone. The outlines of the old buildings were made of large-format stone slabs. The old courtyards were covered with pavement in the form of reused cobblestones from Plac Defilad, which are supplemented in places by granite slabs from the area of the former honorary tribune. The street layout from 1939 is reminiscent of lanes made of granite cubes. The alley that leads visitors straight to the square from the exit from the metro station draws attention.

The architects incorporated the previous honorary tribune into the square in such a way that it referred to the post-war history of this place. At the same time, they gave it a new dimension. The tribune was greened – its steps from the palace side were decorated with small trees and flower beds. The upper level was prepared in such a way that it could be arranged as a stage. That is why the architects planned the part of the square between the tribune and Marszałkowska Street as a zone for mass events.

In a good light

After dark, the square will be illuminated not only by new lanterns, but also by eight historic chandeliers. Four are located in front of the main entrance to the palace, and another four in alcoves by the Dramatic Theatre and the Studio Theatre.

Cast iron, black painted chandeliers are mounted on columns made of Strzegom granite. The chandeliers have four, 1.5-meter arms. The fifth lamp is located in the middle, between them. LED modules are hidden in lampshades in the color of milky glass.

Opening of the square to all residents

The official ceremony of dedicating the square to all the women of Warsaw will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, June 4, at 6:30 p.m. The brass band Brass Federacja will lead everyone to the gathering place, under the honorary stand, in a musical rhythm. The official part of the event (with speeches and toasts) will start at 7:00 p.m., and the party "in the open air" will be started by: Warszawskie Combo Taneczne Janka Młynarski (7:30 p.m.) and Rafał Bryndal & DJ Burn Reynolds (8:30 p.m.).

Invitation for journalists

Earlier, a press conference for journalists will be held at the square. The event will be attended by representatives of the city authorities and contractors for the reconstruction of Central Square. More information in the next announcement.

Source: Warsaw City Hall