Wrocławiak
Wrocławiak, also called Księgarz, is a smiling bronze dwarf at plac Katedralny 19 on Ostrów Tumski. Sources give two different dates, 2017 and 2021.
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Wrocławiak
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Story
Wrocławiak is the dwarf who is proud to be a local. He grins broadly in a cap and a jacket with a turned-up collar, at plac Katedralny 19 on Ostrów Tumski, the oldest part of the city. Dwarfs say he knows a good story about everyone born in Wrocław, which is why he is also listed as Księgarz (the bookseller). Say hello: he is very glad to meet a visitor.
History & Significance
Wrocław's bronze dwarfs grew out of the Orange Alternative, a peaceful, absurdist protest movement of the 1980s whose members painted dwarfs on city walls. Since 2005 the city has filled its streets with bronze dwarfs, and there are now hundreds of them. Wrocławiak is listed as made by Beata Zwolańska-Hołod at plac Katedralny 19. The sources disagree on the date: wromap.pl says he appeared on 30 April 2017, while the visitWroclaw tourism site gives 2 June 2021 for a dwarf of the same name. The tourism site says he holds a book, 'Urodziłem się we Wrocławiu / Ich bin in Breslau geboren', which tells the stories of thirty famous people born in Wrocław, but our close-up photo does not show a book.
Inspiration
His name means 'the Wrocławian', and his alternative names Księgarz and Księgariusz mean bookseller. The tourism site's book of thirty famous people born in Wrocław, published in Polish and German, explains the theme. We could not confirm from the photo which statue the tourism site describes, so the book is reported but not seen.
Fun Facts
- His name means 'the Wrocławian'.
- He is also listed as Księgarz and Księgariusz, meaning bookseller.
- The dwarf map says 30 April 2017, while the tourism site says 2 June 2021.
- The tourism site says he holds a bilingual book about thirty famous people born in Wrocław.
- Trisomek is about 84 m to the north.
How to Find This Dwarf
Go to plac Katedralny 19 on Ostrów Tumski, the cathedral island. Trisomek is about 84 m to the north, Bagażowy about 96 m to the north-west and Daniel i Młoda Para about 126 m to the north.
Nearby Dwarfs
See all Wrocław dwarfs on the dwarf list
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Wrocławiak dwarf?
At plac Katedralny 19 on Ostrów Tumski in Wrocław, according to wromap.pl.
When did Wrocławiak appear?
Sources disagree: wromap.pl says 30 April 2017, the visitWroclaw tourism site says 2 June 2021.
What does Wrocławiak hold?
The tourism site says a book about thirty famous people born in Wrocław. Our close-up photo does not show it.
Accessibility
Ground LevelOutdoor
Outdoor statue; the photo shows a smooth paved surface. We have not verified the exact position, the surface or any steps in the area.
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