Życzliwek
Rynek Ratusz 7/9
Życzliwek is the dwarf of kindness who holds a sunflower and a suitcase on the western side of Wrocław's Market Square, at Rynek Ratusz. He has been spreading good wishes since 2007.
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Życzliwek
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Story
Życzliwek is the friendliest dwarf in Wrocław, and he has been spreading good wishes on the Market Square since 2007. He stands at Rynek Ratusz on the western side of the Rynek, near the fountain, holding a sunflower in one hand and a suitcase in the other, ready to travel wherever kindness is needed. Legend says he packs a smile into every suitcase, and anyone who greets him politely gets a smile back for free. Say hello and give him a sunny look, because a kind word is the only coin he accepts.
History & Significance
Życzliwek was unveiled on 21 November 2007 and was made by sculptor Marcin Łuczkowski. He is linked to the Kindness Expedition (Wyprawa Życzliwości), an idea of Maciej Albert Olbert, one of the kindest Wrocław residents. The dwarf proved so popular that his copies travelled abroad, and dwarfs inspired by him now stand in Poznań, Kaunas, Vilnius and Lviv. He belongs to the tradition that began with the Orange Alternative, the 1980s protest movement whose members painted dwarfs on walls.
Inspiration
Życzliwek stands for kindness, which in Polish is 'życzliwość'. He was created to show that a city can be friendly to visitors and neighbours alike, and he became a symbol of Wrocław's positive attitude. The sunflower stands for warmth and optimism, and the suitcase for travel and hospitality: he welcomes guests at home and also goes abroad as an ambassador. His cousins in Poznań, Kaunas, Vilnius and Lviv carry the same message of kindness.
Fun Facts
- He has cousins abroad: dwarfs inspired by him stand in Poznań, Kaunas, Vilnius and Lviv.
- His name comes from 'życzliwy', the Polish word for kind and well-wishing.
- A sunflower and a suitcase are his trademarks, standing for warmth and a readiness to travel.
- Rafał Dutkiewicz, the dwarf of the former mayor, stands only about 17 metres to the south.
- Sculptor Marcin Łuczkowski also made Halabardnik, the guard dwarf.
How to Find This Dwarf
From the Old Town Hall, walk about 60 metres north-west to the western side of the Market Square, near the fountain. Życzliwek stands there with his sunflower and suitcase. Rafał Dutkiewicz's dwarf is about 17 metres south, and Wiesiek Partnerski is a little further along. Your mission: pay him with a kind word, say one nice thing to someone in your group, then say hello to his neighbour Rafał Dutkiewicz, 17 metres to the south.
Nearby Dwarfs
See all Wrocław dwarfs on the dwarf list
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Życzliwek dwarf in Wrocław?
Życzliwek stands at Rynek Ratusz on the western side of the Market Square, near the fountain and about 60 metres north-west of the Old Town Hall.
Why is Życzliwek holding a sunflower and a suitcase?
The sunflower stands for warmth and optimism, and the suitcase for travel and hospitality. Together they make him a friendly ambassador of Wrocław.
Are there Życzliwek dwarfs in other cities?
Yes, dwarfs inspired by Życzliwek stand in Poznań, Kaunas, Vilnius and Lviv.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor
Stands at street level on the Market Square, which is paved with cobblestones that can be bumpy for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The area near the fountain is open and flat.
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