Kownacek

Story

Kownacek is a devoted little bookworm who found his calling outside Kindergarten No. 141 on ul. Hallera 77a in Wroclaw. Legend has it that he appeared one summer morning in 2013 clutching a tiny storybook, drawn by the magical pull of children's laughter drifting from the playground. He had read every tale ever told about dwarfs, elves, and adventure, and felt the stories deserved a proper home near little readers who would actually appreciate them.

History & Significance

Kownacek joined Wroclaw's community of bronze dwarfs on 10 June 2013. He was sponsored by Kindergarten No. 141, and his name was chosen through a competition held among the children and their parents. The winning name comes from Maria Kownacka, the patron of the kindergarten - a beloved Polish author of children's books who lived from 1894 to 1982 and wrote classics such as 'Plastusiowy pamietnik' (Plastusin's Diary). The name selection process was a charming community event that turned the little statue into a genuine symbol of the school's identity.

Inspiration

Maria Kownacka was one of Poland's most treasured children's writers of the 20th century. Her warm, imaginative stories delighted generations of young Polish readers. The kindergarten on ul. Hallera bears her name with pride, and commissioning a dwarf in her honour was a way of bringing her literary spirit to life in the city's urban landscape. Placing the dwarf at the school entrance means that every child who arrives at the gate is greeted by a reminder of the joy of reading.

Fun Facts

• His name was chosen by the children of Kindergarten No. 141 themselves through a creative competition.
• Maria Kownacka, the author who inspired his name, wrote 'Plastusiowy pamietnik' - a story about a little plasticine figure that has delighted Polish kids for over 80 years.
• Kownacek is one of the dwarfs located outside the Old Town, making him a slightly more exclusive find for dedicated dwarf hunters.
• He arrived on 10 June 2013, just in time for the start of summer holidays - perhaps he wanted to see the children off with a smile.
• The dwarf blends perfectly into the school environment, standing as a cheerful landmark for generations of kindergartners passing through the gate.

How to Find This Dwarf

Take tram line 4 or 10 towards the Hallera stop in the Grabiszyn district. Walk along ul. Hallera and look for Kindergarten No. 141 at number 77a. Kownacek stands near the entrance, easy to spot once you find the school building. From the tram stop, it is about a 5-minute walk.

Nearby Dwarfs

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor

Located on the pavement outside the kindergarten entrance. The area is flat and fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.