Grzybowski Square in Warsaw

Grzybowski Square, located in the Śródmieście district of Warsaw, boasts a rich history dating back to the 17th century, when it was an undeveloped space at a crossroads. In the 18th century, it transformed into a market square, and between 1786 and 1787, the Grzybów Town Hall was built here according to the design of Karol Schütz. After the town hall was demolished, a grain market emerged, and the square gained classicist tenement houses designed by renowned architects such as Antonio Corazzi and Fryderyk Albert Lessel. In the second half of the 19th century, the All Saints Church was constructed, and in 1863, the square witnessed the execution of January Uprising insurgents. In 1904, a tragic demonstration organized by the Polish Socialist Party (PPS) took place here, resulting in the deaths of 11 people. During the interwar period, the square was predominantly inhabited by the Jewish population. During World War II, Grzybowski Square fell within the boundaries of the Warsaw Ghetto. After the war, only part of the buildings survived, including the church, while the rest were destroyed. In the 1960s, modern buildings were erected, including the Jewish Theatre, which was demolished in 2017. In 2007, the unique installation *Dotleniacz* by Joanna Rajkowska was installed on the square, and between 2009 and 2011, the square underwent modernization, introducing new green elements. The square has also become a venue for important cultural events, such as the Warszawa Singera Festival. Today, visitors can admire remnants of the tram tracks and modern architecture, including the Cosmopolitan skyscraper. In popular culture, Grzybowski Square has appeared in works such as Stanisław Bareja’s comedy *Miś* (Teddy Bear), underscoring its significance as a place with a continuous, fascinating history and a deep connection to the daily life of Warsaw’s residents.