Centennial Hall in Wrocław

The Centennial Hall, located on the Great Island in Wrocław, is an icon of modernism, designed by Max Berg between 1911 and 1913. It was built to commemorate the centenary of Frederick William III's call to the nation during the Napoleonic Wars. Its construction began after Berg won the design competition, despite the controversial architectural solutions and high costs. The hall is renowned for its reinforced concrete structure, whose dome was the largest in the world at the time of completion—measuring 67 meters in diameter and reaching a height of 42 meters. The interior of the hall is designed to accommodate up to 10,000 people and includes numerous exhibition spaces. After World War II, the Centennial Hall did not suffer significant damage, but the organ, which was the world's largest musical instrument, was destroyed due to a lack of protection. During the Polish People's Republic, the hall served cultural functions, hosting concerts and sporting events. After 1989, it underwent modernization, gaining a modern sound system and a retractable grandstand. In 2006, the Centennial Hall was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and its cultural significance reflects the era in which it was built. Between 2009 and 2011, a renovation was carried out, restoring its former glory and incorporating modern materials in line with conservation guidelines. The Centennial Hall is surrounded by attractions such as the Japanese Garden and the Multimedia Fountain, and it remains a popular destination for tourists and a significant venue for cultural events in Wrocław.