Wojciech Boguslawski Statue

In 1929, a design competition was held to create a monument honoring Bogusławski, a prominent figure in Polish culture renowned for his contributions as a playwright, actor, and director. Among the participants was Jan Szczepkowski, a highly esteemed sculptor known for his sensational art deco-style Nativity chapel showcased at the Polish Pavilion during the International Exhibition of Decorative Arts in Paris in 1925. Jan Szczepkowski emerged as the winner of the competition, securing the opportunity to bring his artistic vision to life.

On September 27, 1936, the ceremonial unveiling of the monument took place, with the president of the capital city, Stefan Starzyński, officiating the event. The centerpiece of the monument was a bronze figure of Bogusławski, positioned atop a pedestal adorned with decorative panels and geometric elements. These embellishments were crafted using pink granite sourced from the dismantled St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral on Saski Square, which had been demolished in 1926. Jan Szczepkowski's distinct art deco style was evident in the bas-relief figural motifs adorning the panels, drawing inspiration from his acclaimed work showcased in Paris in 1925.

Tragically, during the tumultuous period of the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, the monument fell victim to destruction at the hands of the Germans. Only fragments of the pedestal managed to survive the devastation. Remarkably, in 1945, the bronze remains of the Bogusławski figure were discovered on the premises of the Lilpop factory in the Wola district. Determined to restore the monument, Jan Szczepkowski himself undertook the reconstruction efforts in 1964. With great care, all the original elements of the monument were meticulously restored, allowing the tribute to once again stand in its full glory.

Today, the monument stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring significance of Bogusławski's legacy. The surface of the pedestal still bears the marks of bullets from the ravages of World War II, serving as a poignant reminder of the hardships endured during that time. On January 17, 1965, amidst the era of the People's Republic of Poland, the monument was re-unveiled in a grand ceremony, coinciding with the twentieth anniversary of the Red Army's entry into the devastated city of Warsaw. The event symbolized the indomitable spirit of the Polish people and their commitment to honoring their cultural heritage.