Living Monument Arena

The Living Monument ARENA is an outdoor sculpture by Jerzy Bereś, located on Wrocław's Piasek Island. It was created for the Wrocław '70 Art Symposium, but its installation was delayed, and only a reduced version was set up by students in 1972. The sculpture consisted of a tree planted upside down with its roots in the air, surrounded by benches and young saplings, but it was soon vandalized. In 1983, it was removed to make way for a landing pad for Pope John Paul II, who ultimately did not arrive by that route. After 10 years, the sculpture returned in a simplified form thanks to the initiative of Wojciech Stefanik and Zbigniew Makarewicz, and the complete version was realized in 2010, featuring a circular plaza and benches. The official unveiling took place on April 26, 2010, to mark the 40th anniversary of the Symposium. The ceremony attracted media attention and local residents. The sculpture’s final appearance was achieved on April 1, 2011, when the roots were painted green to symbolize spring. Every year, the roots are repainted—a task carried out by students of the Wrocław Academy of Fine Arts from 2013 to 2018, and since 2019 by the Entropia Gallery. The sculpture is a unique blend of art, nature, and urban space, with its centerpiece being the tree surrounded by young saplings and park benches, creating a place for reflection and contemplation. The architectural and artistic elements of the design harmonize with the surroundings, forming a modern public space that encourages residents to spend time outdoors while bringing them closer to both art and nature.