Here stand two figures frozen in time. The Julian Kulski i Stefan Starzyński Statue commemorates two mayors of Warsaw. They served during a tumultuous period in the city’s history.
This monument to the Mayors of Great Warsaw stands near the Royal Castle gardens. It is located on Wybrzeże Gdańskie Street. The statue depicts Julian Kulski and Stefan Starzyński walking together. They appear to be deep in conversation.
Let’s delve into the story of these remarkable men. Stefan Starzyński served as mayor from 1934 to 1939. He is remembered for his leadership during the Siege of Warsaw. He commanded the city’s civil defense.
Julian Kulski took office in 1939. He served until 1944. The Polish government-in-exile recognized him as the city’s mayor. He operated within the Polish Underground State.
This statue’s creation was inspired by Julian Eugeniusz Kulski. He was the son of Julian Kulski. He envisioned a tribute to his father and Stefan Starzyński. The Kulski Foundation financed the monument.
Paweł Pietrusiński designed the statue. The unveiling took place on October 9, 2021. The monument shows the mayors wearing suits and overcoats. They also wear fedoras. Starzyński uses a walking stick.
The sculptor based their appearance on a 1937 photograph. It captured the mayors walking along the Vistulan Boulevards. The statue’s inscription simply reads “Julian S. Kulski. Stefan Starzyński.”
The location is significant. Starzyński initiated construction of the Vistula Boulevards before the war. The statue stands near where they once walked.
The photograph shows them visiting the construction site. They appear engaged in a lively discussion. Perhaps they discussed plans to bring Warsaw closer to the Vistula River. They wanted to provide citizens with new recreation areas.
Julian Spitosław Kulski was a close friend of Stefan Starzyński. They had known each other since serving in the Polish Legions. After the Germans arrested Starzyński in 1939, Kulski succeeded him.
With the Underground State’s consent, Kulski became the city’s president. He was a member of the resistance movement. He helped save countless lives. He issued false identity documents for City Hall employees. This protected people from certain death.
This monument connects the past and present. It highlights their contributions to Warsaw’s infrastructure. They planned and modernized many elements we still see today.
So as you stand before the Julian Kulski i Stefan Starzyński Statue remember their vision. They were dedicated to Warsaw’s development. They showed heroism during the city’s darkest hours.