Krasnale tolerancji

Story

The Krasnale Tolerancji (Dwarfs of Tolerance) are two of Wroclaw's most musically cool residents - a saxophonist and a dreadlocked drummer who found their place in the hidden courtyard passage of the Pokoyhof (ul. Sw. Antoniego 2/4) in the heart of the Four Denominations Quarter. They arrived to make a statement: that Wroclaw is a city that dances to the same beat regardless of skin colour, background, or beliefs. The jazz wafts through the ancient stone archways, mixing with the 400 years of diverse history the passage has witnessed.

History & Significance

The Krasnale Tolerancji were created by sculptor Beata Zwolanska-Hold and installed in the Pokoyhofa Passage at ul. Sw. Antoniego 2/4. Their unveiling was attended by city president Rafal Dutkiewicz, who played the drums himself to welcome the new arrivals. The saxophonist and the dreadlocked drummer were designed to symbolise residents of Wroclaw who have come from many countries and continents to fulfil their dreams in the capital of Lower Silesia.

Inspiration

The Pokoyhof passage has a rich multicultural history stretching back to the 17th century, when it served as the main lodging area for Jewish merchants visiting Wroclaw for trade fairs. During its history it was also home to a synagogue, a fire, and a 1938 demolition during Kristallnacht. It was later renovated by Verity Development between 2007 and 2014. The passage lies in the Four Denominations Quarter (Dzielnica Czterech Wyznani), a unique area of Wroclaw where a Catholic church, a Lutheran church, a synagogue, and an Orthodox church once stood side by side. Placing tolerance-themed dwarfs here is deeply meaningful.

Fun Facts

• City president Rafal Dutkiewicz played the bongo drums himself at the unveiling ceremony of these two dwarfs.
• The Pokoyhofa Passage where they live has been a multicultural meeting place since the 17th century, historically hosting Jewish merchants, their synagogues, and later a dance school.
• These dwarfs are among the few that require you to enter a courtyard - look for the gate on ul. Sw. Antoniego 2/4 and walk in past the archway.
• The Four Denominations Quarter is one of Wroclaw's hidden gems - four houses of worship of different faiths once coexisted here in remarkable harmony.
• Beata Zwolanska-Hold, the sculptor, is one of the key artists in the Wroclaw dwarf tradition alongside Tomasz Moczek and Marcin Luczkowski.

How to Find This Dwarf

From the Market Square, walk west along ul. Swidnicka to Kazimierza Wielkiego, then turn right onto ul. Sw. Antoniego. The Pokoyhof passage entrance is at number 2/4, roughly 200 metres from the Market Square - look for an unassuming gate on the left, just opposite the Helios cinema glass corner. Enter the courtyard and look down near the Jose Torres dance school - the dwarfs are small and easy to miss if you rush.

Nearby Dwarfs

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Wheelchair AccessibleGround Level

Located in a covered courtyard passage (semi-outdoor). The passage entrance from ul. Sw. Antoniego 2/4 has a step-free gate. The courtyard is flat and accessible, though the passage is narrow in places.