Keret House

Keret House, also known as The Hermitage – Keret House, is a unique art installation designed by Jakub Szczęsny from the design group Centrala, opened on October 20, 2012, in Warsaw. Located in a narrow gap between a residential building at Chłodna 22 and a pre-war tenement at Żelazna 74, it is only 152 centimeters wide. Designed as a living space and studio for the Israeli writer Etgar Keret, the structure serves as a symbolic cultural venue hosting various artistic activities. The minimalist form of the house, considered one of the narrowest in the world, reflects the concise style of Keret’s short stories, which are popular among readers, including prisoners. Its location also carries deep historical significance, as it stands near the site of a former footbridge that connected two parts of the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II, and Keret’s family has roots in Warsaw. The house tells a story of survival, as Etgar Keret’s father hid in an extremely small space during the occupation. The architecture features a steel frame, polycarbonate facade, and a triangular glass roof. The interior spans three levels, with a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and a bedroom accessible by ladder. Although it does not comply with Polish building regulations and cannot be officially registered as a residence, Keret House is open to visitors on select weekends. The first resident was Etgar Keret himself, and by 2018, over 40 artists from various countries had stayed there, highlighting its role as a creative space. Keret House is not only an innovative example of architecture in an urban setting but also an important part of the cultural narrative of Warsaw’s past.