Not all historical sites in Wroclaw Poland are centuries old and one of the most beautiful is a grand exhibition and performance hall built in the 20th century. It is located further out from the historic center so walking there is out of the question. We hopped on one of the many golf-cart style touring vehicles and enjoyed a tour around Wroclaw that included the People’s Hall.
The People’s Hall (Hala Ludowa) was constructed according to the plans of architect Max Berg in 1911–1913, when the city was part of the German Empire.
The hall was originally called the “Centennial Hall” and was built as part of the celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig, where King Frederick William III of Prussia called upon the Prussian and German people to rise up against Napoleon’s occupation. Napoleon was defeated at Leipzig in October of 1813.
The People’s Hall (Hala Ludowa) was constructed according to the plans of architect Max Berg in 1911–1913, when the city was part of the German Empire.
The hall was originally called the “Centennial Hall” and was built as part of the celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig, where King Frederick William III of Prussia called upon the Prussian and German people to rise up against Napoleon’s occupation. Napoleon was defeated at Leipzig in October of 1813.
In 1945, after Wroclaw became part of the Republic of Poland according to the Potsdam Agreement, the hall was renamed Hala Ludowa ("People's Hall") by the communist government.
In 1948, a 106 m (348 ft) high needle-like metal sculpture called Iglica was set up in front of it. The strange industrial-looking flagpole is exactly as you would picture a structure created by communist era designers.
In 1948, a 106 m (348 ft) high needle-like metal sculpture called Iglica was set up in front of it. The strange industrial-looking flagpole is exactly as you would picture a structure created by communist era designers.
The landscaping and buildings surrounding the hall were laid out by Hans Poelzig. The grounds include a huge pond with fountains enclosed by a concrete pergola in the form of half an ellipse. Beyond this, to the north, is a Japanese Garden.
For the highlight of our visit, our tour driver took us out via the long curved pergola to view the famous pond which spouts jets of water high into the air to the accompaniment of orchestra music. It is a lovely site to watch and we enjoyed the water concert for several minutes, but we were not alone. People were relaxing on the grass and benches, children and young couples played in the water at the edges of the pond and everyone was enjoying the stunning day.
For the highlight of our visit, our tour driver took us out via the long curved pergola to view the famous pond which spouts jets of water high into the air to the accompaniment of orchestra music. It is a lovely site to watch and we enjoyed the water concert for several minutes, but we were not alone. People were relaxing on the grass and benches, children and young couples played in the water at the edges of the pond and everyone was enjoying the stunning day.
The People’s Hall was a fun break from the heavy historical sites we had been exploring and shouldn’t be missed if you find yourself in Wroclaw Poland!
Learn more about visiting or attending a performance at The People's Hall in Wroclaw.
Learn more about visiting or attending a performance at The People's Hall in Wroclaw.
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