Opałek
Irkucka 11
Opalek is a drowsy bronze dwarf perched on the wall of the 'Koszalki-Opalki' nursery at ul. Irkucka 11 in Wroclaw's Zakrzow district, named after the beloved fairy-tale gnome.
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Story
Opalek is Wroclaw's sleepiest little dwarf, napping on the wall of the 'Koszalki-Opalki' nursery at ul. Irkucka 11 in the Zakrzow district. He arrived one afternoon, apparently mid-doze, and has been in that happy semi-slumber ever since — occasionally cracking one eye open to make sure the children below are having fun. According to nursery legend, any child who whispers their dream to Opalek before naptime will dream exactly that dream, which makes him the most consulted dwarf in the entire nursery district.
History & Significance
Opalek was installed at the 'Koszalki-Opalki' preschool on ul. Irkucka 11 in the Zakrzow district of Wroclaw. His placement on the wall of the nursery — mounted slightly above ground level — gives him a perch from which to watch over the little ones in his care. His name directly echoes the nursery's name: 'Koszalek Opalek' is a beloved character from Polish children's fairy tales.
Inspiration
The name 'Opalek' is taken directly from 'Koszalek Opalek', the mischievous fairy-tale gnome from Maria Konopnicka's celebrated Polish children's story 'O krasnoludkach i o sierotce Marysi'. The nursery bears the same name, creating a perfect thematic match. Tomasz Moczek, the sculptor who created the first five Wroclaw dwarfs in 2005, also created a figure of Koszalek Opalek for a nursery in Legionowo, making this connection part of a wider tradition.
Fun Facts
- Opalek is mounted on the wall rather than the ground, giving him an elevated perch to watch over the nursery children.
- His name comes from 'Koszalek Opalek', the beloved fairy-tale gnome from Maria Konopnicka's classic Polish children's story.
- Local nursery tradition holds that whispering a dream wish to Opalek before naptime guarantees that very dream.
- The nursery that hosts him shares the same fairy-tale name — making Opalek the only Wroclaw dwarf whose home and his own name are a perfect match.
- He is one of the Wroclaw dwarfs associated with the 'krasnalizacja przedszkoli' — the charming trend of preschools adopting their own bronze dwarf mascots.
How to Find This Dwarf
Ul. Irkucka 11 is in the Zakrzow district, about 5 km northeast of the city centre. Take bus line 112 or 119 toward Zakrzow and look for the Irkucka stop. The nursery is a short walk from the bus stop, and Opalek sits on the outer wall — keep an eye up above ground level as you approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Opalek dwarf in Wroclaw?
Opalek sits on the wall of the 'Koszalki-Opalki' preschool at ul. Irkucka 11 in Wroclaw's Zakrzow district, about 5 km northeast of the Market Square.
Who is Koszalek Opalek?
Koszalek Opalek is a beloved mischievous gnome from Maria Konopnicka's classic Polish fairy tale 'O krasnoludkach i o sierotce Marysi', one of the most cherished children's stories in Polish literature.
Why is Opalek on the wall and not on the ground?
He was installed on the nursery wall to give him an elevated vantage point from which to watch over the children below — a fitting position for their sleepy bronze guardian.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleOutdoor
Opalek is mounted on the wall of the nursery building, slightly above ground level. The surrounding pavement is flat. The figure is visible and photographable from the pavement without any steps.
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