Profesor Miodek

Story

Profesor Miodek is a learned little dwarf who stands in front of the Institute of Polish Philology at plac Nankiera 15b, as if he is about to begin a lecture. Legend says he can hear a grammar mistake from across the square, and he corrects it kindly, never loudly. Students walking past sometimes whisper a word to him before an exam, just in case. Stand in front of him and say your favourite Polish word out loud, and see whether he approves.

History & Significance

Profesor Miodek was unveiled on 13 July 2016 at plac Nankiera 15b, in front of the Institute of Polish Philology of the University of Wrocław. He was made by sculptor Beata Zwolańska-Hołod, and the dwarf appeared on the occasion of Professor Jan Miodek's retirement from the university. He is one of several dwarfs that honour real people, among them Leszek Cichoński and Professor Alicja Chybicka. Like every Wrocław dwarf, he belongs to the tradition that began with the Orange Alternative and the first bronze dwarfs of 2005.

Inspiration

The dwarf honours Professor Jan Miodek, a linguist from the University of Wrocław who is one of the best-known advocates of good Polish, famous for explaining the language with warmth and humour. He spent decades showing people that grammar can be fun, and Wrocław thanked him with a dwarf. The statue stands in front of the department where he worked, so it is exactly the right place. His surname also sounds like 'little honey' in Polish, which suits his friendly manner.

Fun Facts

• The dwarf appeared when Professor Miodek retired from the University of Wrocław.
• His surname sounds like 'little honey' in Polish, fitting for someone who made language sweet to learn.
• Renata Otolińska, another dwarf, stands just 8 metres to the south.
• Pracz Odrzański, the washerman dwarf, is about 120 metres to the north-east.

How to Find This Dwarf

The Institute of Polish Philology is at plac Nankiera, about 600 metres north-east of the Old Town Hall, roughly a ten-minute walk. Look for the building at number 15b; the dwarf stands in front of it. Pracz Odrzański is about 120 metres further north-east, so you can combine both in one walk. Your mission: think of the longest or funniest Polish word you know, say it to the professor and let the family guess what it means.

Nearby Dwarfs

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Outdoor

He stands outdoors in front of a university building at plac Nankiera. The surface and the approach have not been checked on site, so confirm access if you use a wheelchair or pushchair.