Renovation set for Warsaw’s Congress Hall

Warsaw's Congress Hall. Photo: wikimedia/Public Domain/Przemysław Jahr

Opened in 1955, the Hall is one of the most famous in Poland with a seating capacity of almost 3,000 on three levels while keeping its original décor in the socialist realist style.

However, due to intense usage, the venue requires renovation, including an upgrade to meet new fire safety regulations. The works are expected to cost 45 million zloty (around 11 million euro), though part of this may be regained by auctioning off the original red armchairs from the Hall.

Due to its protected status as a Warsaw monument, the renovation cannot change the appearance of the Hall.

Musicians such as Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones and Elton John have performed during the Congress Hall’s long history. More recently, world-renowned musicians such as Katie Melua have also performed there.

Dionizy Piatkowski, director of the Era Jazz concert series which is often held in the Congress Hall, said that it “is wonderful. If it is completely full, it is impressive. All artists, who came onto the scene were stunned by the view of the hall and the energy radiating from the audience”.

Pre-1989, the Congress Hall was used extensively by the governing communist Polish United Workers’ Party, which held most of its congresses there, including the final one where it was officially dissolved.

Since Poland’s transformation to a free-market economy, the Hall has hosted the congresses of companies such as Microsoft and Commercial Union. (sl/jb)

Source: Gazeta Wyborcza