Śpiewak Operowy i Tancerka Balerina

Story

Spiewak Operowy i Tancerka Balerina are two dwarfs who never rest — one a tenor, the other a ballerina, forever frozen mid-performance on the grand steps of Wroclaw Opera. Legend has it they arrived on the very first night the Opera opened its gilded doors to dwarf visitors, and have been greeting every audience member ever since, making sure no one sneaks in without feeling properly welcomed by song and dance.

History & Significance

The duo stands at the main entrance of Wroclaw Opera at ul. Świdnicka 35. They were crafted by sculptors Marta Mirynowska and Piotr Makala. What makes them especially remarkable is that they were modelled on real Opera Wroclaw artists: the tenor figure is based on a member of the Opera chorus, while the ballerina was inspired by dancer Christina Janusz, with tenor Pawel Walankiewicz serving as the model for the singing dwarf.

Inspiration

The Wroclaw Opera at ul. Świdnicka 35 is one of the city's most beloved cultural institutions. The decision to place a dwarf pair here — rather than a solitary figure — reflects the collaborative nature of opera itself, where voice and movement together create something neither could achieve alone. The dual composition of opera singer and ballet dancer is unique among Wroclaw's dwarf collection, and the statues stand as a tiny but passionate tribute to the world of classical performing arts.

Fun Facts

• The singing dwarf was modelled on an actual member of the Wroclaw Opera chorus — making him perhaps the only dwarf in the city with a verifiable vocal range.
• Ballerina Christina Janusz and tenor Pawel Walankiewicz served as living models for the sculptors Marta Mirynowska and Piotr Makala.
• Among Wroclaw's 800+ dwarfs, this is one of very few designed as an inseparable pair — one would be incomplete without the other.
• The tenor faces the ballerina while simultaneously glancing at arriving audience members, as if performing and welcoming at the same time.
• Standing right by the main entrance, they are often the first dwarfs spotted by visitors heading to an evening performance at the Opera.

How to Find This Dwarf

Head to ul. Świdnicka 35 — that's the address of Wroclaw Opera, a grand yellow building you can't miss. The dwarfs are right at the main entrance, on the steps facing the street. From the central Rynek (Market Square), walk south along ul. Świdnicka for about 5 minutes and the Opera will appear on your left.

Nearby Dwarfs

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor

Located on the flat pavement directly in front of the Opera's main entrance on ul. Świdnicka. Fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs with no steps required to reach the statues.