Mickiewicz Monument
The Mickiewicz Monument is a sculptural image of the great Polish Romantic poet Adam Mickiewicz, installed in the center of Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland, in 1957. Created by Józef Gosławski (1908–1963), it stands in Freedom Square at the intersection of General W. Sikorski Street and the Street of the Lwów Eaglets. The idea for the monument first appeared in 1945, marking the 100th anniversary of the poet’s death, and the work was unveiled on 15 December 1957. The cast-iron figure is about 2.5 meters high and shows the poet standing on a granite pedestal with a book in his right hand.
May 2010 © Adam Rudzki · CC BY-SA 4.0
May 2010 © Adam Rudzki · CC BY-SA 4.0
May 2010 © Adam Rudzki · CC BY-SA 4.0
May 2010 © Adam Rudzki · CC BY-SA 4.0
May 2010 © Adam Rudzki · CC BY-SA 4.0
Identification | |
| Title | Adam Mickiewicz Monument, Gorzów Wielkopolski |
| Alternative title | Mickiewicz Monument |
| Type | Monument / statue |
| Subject | Adam Mickiewicz |
| Original-language title | Pomnik Adama Mickiewicza w Gorzowie Wielkopolskim |
Historical context | |
| Year erected | 1957 |
| Unveiling date | 15 December 1957 |
| Design year | 1956 |
| Idea originated | 1945, in connection with the 100th anniversary of the poet's death |
Creator | |
| Artist | Józef Gosławski |
| Artist lifespan | 1908–1963 |
Discovery and provenance | |
| Produced at | Zakłady Mechaniczne "Gorzów" (Mechanical Works "Gorzów") |
| Funding | Raised by the local community |
| Committee chair | Dr. Edward Stapf |
| Archaeological discovery | On 10 February 2020, a tube containing two foundation acts was found while dismantling the pedestal |
| Foundation acts discovered | The foundation act of the Adam Mickiewicz Monument from 1957 and the foundation act of the unrealized Monument of Freedom from 1945 |
| Supervising authorities | Archaeologists from the Lubuskie Museum |
Physical characteristics | |
| Form | Full-length monument |
| Pedestal | Granite pedestal |
| Pose | Standing and looking straight ahead |
| Figure height | About 2.5 m |
Materials | |
| Figure material | Cast iron |
| Pedestal material | Granite |
Appearance | |
| Right hand object | Book |
| Original hand attributes | The original design had Mickiewicz holding a pen in his left hand and a book in his right hand |
| Inscription on pedestal | "IN THE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH — TO THE POET AND NATIONAL TRIBUNE — ADAM MICKIEWICZ — THE PUBLIC OF GORZÓW" |
History and restoration | |
| Reinstallation date | September 2020 |
| Temporary dismantling start | Autumn 2019 |
| Design modification | During construction, the committee changed the concept and removed the pen, making the left hand point to the book |
| Relocation reason | To avoid standing in the middle of the planned roundabout at the former location |
| Relocation status | Moved 12 meters in 2020 after being planned for relocation due to reconstruction of Sikorski Street |
| Result of modification | One of the poet's arms ended up 20 cm longer than the other |
Location and ownership | |
| Associated street | Mickiewicz Street |
| Nearby streets | General W. Sikorski Street and the Street of the Lviv Eaglets |
| Location | Freedom Square, central Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland |
Significance | |
| Commemorative purpose | Created to mark the 100th anniversary of Mickiewicz's death |
| Significance | The first Polish monument erected in Gorzów Wielkopolski |
| Regional significance | The first monument to Adam Mickiewicz in the former Zielona Góra Province and the second in the Recovered Territories |
| Public role | For a long time it was mainly of local significance and served as a site for commemorative events and happenings |
| Tourist presence | Included in tourist guides, though not regarded as a major attraction |
| Public interest | Interest increased when relocation was discussed by local authorities and regional media |
| 2008 event | Included in a UEFA Euro 2008 social campaign |
| 2008 slogan | "In Poland even monuments cheer for our team!" |
| 2008 decoration | The poet figure was dressed in a jersey in the colors of the Poland national football team |
Other | |
| Description | A notable statue in Gorzów Wielkopolski |