Leszko

Story

Leszko z Wrocławca arrived in the city on 28 April 2017 as a surprise gift from Mayor Rafał Dutkiewicz to blues guitarist Leszek Cichoński. He stands on the Rynek opposite the Town Hall, guitar raised high, T-shirt boldly declaring 'Gitarowy Rekord Guinnessa'. Every 1 May since 2003, thousands of guitarists have gathered on this very square to play 'Hey Joe' together and set a new Guinness World Record for the largest guitar ensemble. Leszko has the best seat in the house for every concert.

History & Significance

Leszko stands on the Rynek (Main Market Square), near a lantern opposite Plac Solny, facing the stage where the annual Guitar Record takes place. The dwarf has the face of Leszek Cichoński (born 1957 in Wroclaw), a blues-rock guitarist, founder of the Thanks Jimi Festival, and the driving force behind Wroclaw's Guinness Guitar Record. The record was first attempted on 1 May 2003, and has become one of the city's most beloved annual events — in 2025 the record stood at over 8,000 guitarists playing simultaneously.

Inspiration

Leszek Cichoński had reportedly been lobbying the city for a dwarf guitarist for years — though he originally wanted it to look like Jimi Hendrix. Mayor Dutkiewicz arranged the commission as a surprise, and the result was a dwarf with Cichoński's own face. The name 'Leszko z Wrocławca' is a playful affectionate form meaning roughly 'Little Leszek from Wroclaw', cementing the city's claim on its favourite bluesman.

Fun Facts

• He has the real face of Leszek Cichoński, Wroclaw's beloved blues-rock guitarist — making him one of the few Wroclaw dwarfs modelled on a living person.
• Every 1 May, thousands of guitarists play 'Hey Joe' in unison on this exact square in front of Leszko, setting a new Guinness World Record.
• Leszek Cichoński originally lobbied for a dwarf that looked like Jimi Hendrix — the mayor surprised him with one that looked like himself instead.
• Leszko arrived on 28 April 2017, just three days before the Guitar Record day, so his first event was also his first big gig.
• His T-shirt reads 'Gitarowy Rekord Guinnessa' — it is both his identity and his permanent concert pass.

How to Find This Dwarf

Find the lantern on the Rynek that stands directly opposite Plac Solny (the flower market). Leszko is at its base, facing the Town Hall — the same direction as the stage that fills with guitarists every 1 May. He is small, so crouch down and look near the lantern's pedestal.

Nearby Dwarfs

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor

Located on the cobblestone surface of the Rynek. The cobbles are uneven in places, which may be challenging for pushchairs and wheelchairs, but the area around the lantern itself is relatively flat.