Papa Het

Story

Papa Het rocks out at ul. Ziemowita 11, perched on the low wall of the Solo 11 apartment building in Wroclaw. This heavy metal dwarf is a tribute to James Hetfield, the legendary frontman of Metallica, and he looks every bit the part -- rocking a guitar with all the intensity a 30-centimetre bronze figure can muster. Passersby swear they can almost hear the crunch of distorted riffs echoing through the quiet residential street. If you visit after dark, the streetlights cast dramatic shadows around him, creating his very own stage.

History & Significance

Papa Het appeared in Wroclaw in September 2013, installed in front of the Solo 11 apartment building at ul. Ziemowita 11. The dwarf was commissioned by PM Holding, the developer of Solo 11, whose leadership are devoted Metallica fans. Before installation, an online poll was held where the public could vote on the dwarf's name from options including James, Papa Het, and Solus. Papa Het won -- a reference to James Hetfield's famous nickname. He is one of the few Wroclaw dwarfs that commemorate a real, living musician, joining other tribute dwarfs like Bardus (honouring Jacek Kaczmarski) and the Alpinki (dedicated to famous Polish mountaineers).

Inspiration

James Hetfield, born in 1963, is the co-founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary lyricist of Metallica -- one of the best-selling and most influential heavy metal bands in history. His nickname 'Papa Het' has been used by fans for decades. The developer behind the Solo 11 building was such a devoted fan that they decided to honour Hetfield with a permanent bronze tribute on Wroclaw's streets. The dwarf makes Wroclaw one of the few cities in the world with a public monument referencing the Metallica frontman.

Fun Facts

• His name was chosen by public vote from options including James, Solus, and Ziomek.
• The dwarf was installed to celebrate the 50th birthday of the real James Hetfield in 2013.
• He is one of only a handful of Wroclaw dwarfs that reference a living international celebrity.
• The Solo 11 building's developers are self-confessed Metallica superfans who planned additional Metallica-related attractions in the city.
• Wikipedia's article on Wroclaw dwarfs specifically names Papa Het as a tribute to James Hetfield.

How to Find This Dwarf

Papa Het is located at ul. Ziemowita 11, within walking distance of the Four Temples District (Dzielnica Czterech Swiatyn). From the Market Square, head east along ul. Wlodkowica past the White Stork Synagogue. Turn onto ul. Ziemowita -- the dwarf sits on the low wall by the main entrance of the Solo 11 apartment building. The walk takes about 10 minutes from the centre.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor

Located on the low wall at the main entrance to the Solo 11 building. The pavement is flat and accessible. The dwarf sits slightly elevated on the wall but is easy to spot and photograph.