Emdekuś Kołłątajski
Emdekuś Kołłątajski is a bearded dwarf pressed against a dark metal surface at Hugona Kołłątaja 20, about 1.1 km from the Market Square. He appeared in June 2022 and was made by Alicja Hoyenski.
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Emdekuś Kołłątajski
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Story
Emdekuś Kołłątajski has a habit that no other dwarf in Przedmieście Świdnickie shares: he never stands on his own two feet if there is something to lean on. In the photo he hugs a rusty-brown metal surface with one hand raised, as if he were checking that the wall is still holding up the street. Local legend, which we are happy to make up on his behalf, says he is listening for the news inside. Stand quietly beside him and you may hear him hum.
History & Significance
Emdekuś Kołłątajski appeared at Hugona Kołłątaja 20 on 21 June 2022 and is credited to sculptor Alicja Hoyenski. Wrocław's bronze dwarfs grew out of the Orange Alternative, a playful, non-violent protest movement of the 1980s whose members painted dwarfs on city walls; since 2005 the city has been filling its streets with bronze dwarfs, and there are now hundreds of them. The sources we found give his address and sculptor but not who commissioned him, so we do not name a sponsor.
Inspiration
The second part of his name comes from the street: ulica Hugona Kołłątaja is named after Hugo Kołłątaj, a Polish priest and reformer of the late 18th century. The first part, Emdekuś, has no explanation in the sources we found, so we leave it open. What the photo does show is a long-bearded dwarf in a pointed cap with a deep, thoughtful look, pressed close to a dark metal surface.
Fun Facts
- He lives at Hugona Kołłątaja 20, in the Przedmieście Świdnickie district, about 1.1 km in a straight line from the Market Square.
- He was made by sculptor Alicja Hoyenski and appeared on 21 June 2022.
- In the photo he has one hand raised against a rusty-brown metal surface and his eyes look closed or squinting.
- His closest neighbours are Dworzan 2 (111 m south) and Dworzan 1 (122 m southeast).
- Strażnik Halabardnik, the halberdier dwarf, is only 136 m northeast of him.
How to Find This Dwarf
Look for Hugona Kołłątaja 20 and keep your eyes at the foot of the wall: Emdekuś is small and hugs a dark metal surface, so he is easy to walk past. Once you have found him, the two Dworzan dwarfs are a short stroll away - Dworzan 2 is about 111 m south and Dworzan 1 about 122 m southeast.
Nearby Dwarfs
See all Wrocław dwarfs on the dwarf list
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Emdekuś Kołłątajski dwarf?
Emdekuś Kołłątajski is at Hugona Kołłątaja 20 in Wrocław's Przedmieście Świdnickie district, about 1.1 km from the Market Square.
Who made Emdekuś Kołłątajski?
The sculptor is Alicja Hoyenski, and the dwarf appeared on 21 June 2022.
Which dwarfs are close to Emdekuś?
The nearest ones are Dworzan 2 (111 m south), Dworzan 1 (122 m southeast) and Strażnik Halabardnik (136 m northeast).
Accessibility
Ground LevelOutdoor
The photo shows the dwarf at a low height against a metal surface. We have not checked the pavement or any steps on site, so please look at the street view before bringing a pushchair or wheelchair.
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