The Monument of Old Marych in Poznań

The monument of Stary Marych in Poznań commemorates a legendary local cultural hero, a fictional Poznań resident created by Juliusz Kubla for radio purposes. His character first gained popularity through radio plays read by Marian Pogasz. The idea for the monument emerged in 1998 when the editorial office of "Gazeta Wyborcza" organized a plebiscite titled "A Poznań Resident on a Pedestal!", in which Stary Marych, the only fictional character, was chosen among well-known historical figures. The author of the sculpture is Poznań artist Robert Sobociński. The monument was unveiled on March 21, 2001, on the symbolic first day of spring, on Półwiejska Street, coinciding with the 90th anniversary of the birth of Stanisław Strugarek, a popularizer of the Poznań dialect. The sculpture depicts Marych pushing a bicycle with a traditional Poznań-style briefcase attached to the handlebars, referencing the local lifestyle. The location of the monument, right by the pedestrian promenade, attracts tourists and residents, making it a popular spot for taking souvenir photos. The monument not only enriches the urban space but also serves as a cultural symbol of Poznań, reflecting its unique traditions and dialect.