If these walls could talk. What tales would Kamienica Wolanowskiego tell? This building behind me stands as a testament to Warsaw’s tumultuous past.
Kamienica Wolanowskiego was built in the late 19th century. Majer Wolanowski was the owner. He was a Polish industrialist of Jewish origin. The building stands at Próżna 14. It is in Warsaw’s Śródmieście district.
Originally, Kamienica Wolanowskiego was larger. During World War II, it was partially destroyed. Today, only the wing facing Próżna Street remains.
After the war, the building became a tenement house. Over the years, it fell into disrepair. Yet, it endured. Kamienica Wolanowskiego is one of the few buildings that survived the destruction of the Warsaw Ghetto.
In 1987, it was listed as a historical monument. This helped protect it. It stands alongside other buildings on Próżna Street. Together, they create an enclave of pre-war Warsaw. Próżna Street is unique. It is one of the few streets with preserved buildings on both sides.
From 2008 to 2014, the building’s windows displayed photographs. These photos depicted Polish Jews. They came from the Shalom Foundation. The foundation collected around 8,000 photographs. These images showed Jewish residents of Poland. The photos were part of an exhibition. It was called “And I Still See Their Faces.” The exhibition traveled to 29 museums worldwide.
In 2012, a sculpture appeared in the gate of Kamienica Wolanowskiego. It was by Maurizio Cattelan. It depicted Adolf Hitler kneeling in prayer.
In 2018, there was hope for the building. The city of Warsaw announced plans. Kamienica Wolanowskiego would become the new home for the Jewish Theater. However, the theater was later moved to Kasprzaka 22.
Today, Kamienica Wolanowskiego stands empty. It is covered with protective sheets. It awaits a brighter future. Will it be restored? Only time will tell.