Town Hall in Bielsko-Biała

The Bielsko-Biała Town Hall, built between 1895 and 1897 according to the design of Emanuel Rost Jr., is a Neo-Renaissance monument located at Town Hall Square. Originally, it housed the municipal offices of Biała and other public institutions. Since 1951, it has served administrative functions for the united city of Bielsko-Biała. Its architecture combines Viennese inspirations with northern motifs, making it one of the most impressive public buildings in the region. The town hall covers an area of 1,278 m² and has three floors, featuring a distinctive central risalit, a mansard roof, and a 52-meter-high square clock tower. The interior is characterized by monumental staircases with marble balustrades and an ornately decorated Council Hall, which serves as the meeting place for the city council. The hall is 8.6 meters high and covers 160 m², with its walls adorned with Ionic pilasters and unique architectural details. The history of the town hall dates back to the 1890s, when the authorities recognized the need for a new building, organized an architectural competition, and ultimately selected Rost's design, which met all requirements by combining functionality with a representative style. After its completion, the town hall became a symbol of self-governance, dominating the neighboring Lipnicki Court. Over the years, the building underwent various modernizations, and in 1997, on the occasion of its centenary, its original appearance was restored. It is worth mentioning that in 2008, the National Bank of Poland issued a coin featuring the town hall, and in 2009, the building was depicted on a postcard promoting Poland during the Eurovision Song Contest. The town hall not only reflects the architecture and history of Bielsko-Biała but also serves as a venue for important cultural and social events.