Oskar Lange Monument

The Oskar Lange Monument, located on the campus of Wrocław University of Economics, was erected to honor the scholar after whom the university (then the Economic Academy) was named. The unveiling of the monument took place on October 2, 1974. The sculpture takes the form of a bust made of syenite, mounted on a granite pedestal. The work was created by Władysław Tumkiewicz. The monument stands on a wide, single-step syenite podium, and the surrounding area is paved with granite slabs, giving it an elegant and monumental appearance. The pedestal bears the inscriptions: "OSKAR LANGE" and "TO THE GREAT SCHOLAR – FROM THE EMPLOYEES, STUDENTS, AND GRADUATES OF THE ECONOMIC ACADEMY," highlighting Lange's importance to Polish economics. However, due to his associations with the Polish People's Republic regime, the monument remains controversial, and there have been calls for its removal. Nevertheless, the university advocates for its preservation, reflecting a desire to engage with the complex aspects of history and collective memory. Interestingly, Lange was not only an economist but also an active participant in political life, making him a multifaceted figure. His monument thus serves not only as a symbol but also as a focal point for discussions about values and the nuances of forgiveness in Polish history.