Kapitan Zbigniew Ścibor-Rylski Motyl Mural

Who was the “Butterfly” of Warsaw? Right before you, the Kapitan Zbigniew Ścibor-Rylski “Motyl” Mural vibrantly depicts the young face of this Polish war hero. The mural, located at the intersection of Aleje Jana Pawła II and Miła street, captures Ścibor-Rylski at 27, during his time in the Warsaw Uprising. Kapitan Zbigniew Ścibor-Rylski, also known as “Motyl,” meaning “Butterfly,” was a key figure in the Polish resistance against Nazi occupation. The mural portrays him not as the centenarian general he later became, but as the energetic young captain who fought fiercely for his city. His nom de guerre, “Motyl,” seems at odds with the grim realities of war. Yet, it reflects a certain resilience, a spirit that could not be crushed. The Kapitan Zbigniew Ścibor-Rylski “Motyl” Mural serves as a powerful reminder of his bravery. He fought in the Uprising, starting his campaign right here in Wola. He then moved through Muranów, Stawki, and Stare Miasto, risking his life repeatedly for the freedom of Warsaw. His wartime efforts earned him the Virtuti Militari, Poland’s highest military decoration, twice. The mural also features a quote from Ścibor-Rylski. It reads, “The Warsaw Uprising was a fight for a dignified Poland among the nations of Europe and the world.” The quote encapsulates the essence of his struggle and the spirit of the uprising itself. The mural’s location on a building wall between windows, almost as if the space was designed for it, adds to its impact. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to his country, from his early days in the resistance to his later years as head of the Warsaw Uprising Veterans Association. The Kapitan Zbigniew Ścibor-Rylski “Motyl” Mural stands not just as a piece of art. It’s a testament to courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of those who fought for a free Poland.