The Bench of the Old Gentlemen

The Bench of the Elderly Gentlemen, located on the university hill in Opole, is a monument created by Professor Marian Molenda, a talented local sculptor. The design, chosen from seven proposals, depicts two artists sitting at the ends of a bench that elegantly transitions into a piano keyboard and a ribbon of paper, symbolizing their creative work and passion for art. The monument was unveiled on June 4, 2010, and its initiator was Professor Stanisław S. Niciei, who also initiated other monuments at this site dedicated to renowned figures of Polish culture, such as Jerzy Grotowski, Agnieszka Osiecka, Czesław Niemen, and Marek Grechuta. The cultural aspects that distinguish the Bench of the Elderly Gentlemen include its references to Polish music and literary history, making it not only a memorial site but also a meeting point and a source of inspiration for students and residents of Opole. An interesting fact is how the monument blends into the university surroundings, becoming an integral part of the city's daily academic and cultural life. Architecturally, the sculpture draws attention with its form and symbolism, as well as its location, which encourages reflection on the works of Polish creators.