Warsaw Fotoplastikon

The Warsaw Fotoplastikon, located in the Hoser tenement at 51 Jerusalem Avenue, is a unique cultural and historical institution that operates as a branch of the Warsaw Uprising Museum. The device, previously used in Lviv and Krakow, began its operations in Warsaw in October 1946. Its exact date of creation remains unknown, but over time it has gained significance as a contemporary medium of imagery and culture. In 1973, after being taken over by Józef Chudy, the fotoplastikon was revitalized, but following his death in 1980, it ceased to function. It was brought back into use in 1992 thanks to his grandson Tomasz Chudy, highlighting the family ties and traditions associated with this place. As early as 1987, the fotoplastikon was entered into the register of historical monuments, underscoring its architectural and historical value. In 2008, the collection of three-dimensional photographs, comprising around 3,000 slides, was leased to the Warsaw Uprising Museum, which repurchased the device in December 2012. In 2013, the cultural resources of the Fotoplastikon expanded with an additional hall, and by 2016, the photo collection had grown to 7,000 images, one-third of which depict Warsaw. These photographs document not only the city's life but also its history, making them a valuable resource for researchers and history enthusiasts. Due to its cultural significance, the Warsaw Fotoplastikon has also served as a filming location for various movies and TV series, such as "Warszawa," "Przystań," "Polskie drogi," and "Czas honoru." Interestingly, there is a second fotoplastikon in Warsaw, located in the National Museum of Technology, though it is currently not in operation. The Fotoplastikon not only attracts culture enthusiasts but also enriches knowledge about Warsaw, standing as one of the few institutions of its kind in Poland that seamlessly blends history, art, and modernity into a cohesive whole.