Manufactory

The Manufaktura Shopping Center in Łódź, opened on May 17, 2006, is located on the grounds of the former factory of Izrael Poznański, one of the largest industrialists in Łódź. The construction of the center was part of the revitalization process of post-industrial areas, aimed at combining history with modernity. The architecture of Manufaktura preserves the industrial character of the site through the use of red, unplastered brick, which references its factory past, while introducing modern elements such as a glass shopping gallery. The complex includes not only shops but also an entertainment center with a cinema, bowling alley, and climbing wall, as well as museums, including the Factory Museum, a branch of the Museum of Art, and the Experymentarium. Manufaktura is also a cultural venue, hosting concerts, sporting events, and various other activities. At its center lies a 3.5-hectare square with the longest fountain in Europe, and during the summer season, a beach is set up. The center houses around 260 shops and a four-star Andel's Hotel. An interesting fact is that the main gate of the complex, built between 1878 and 1880, was reconstructed using 4,500 elements and is considered one of the most impressive in Central Europe. The investment in the revitalization of Manufaktura amounted to approximately 200 million euros, and the project has gained recognition, winning numerous awards in international competitions for its innovation and the integration of culture and commerce in public space.