Panoramik

Story

Panoramik is the most dashing soldier in all the dwarf world - a tiny Tadeusz Kościuszko on horseback, dressed in a uniform with striped trousers and an embroidered jacket, sabre at his side, that closely echoes the legendary general's costume in the great Racławice Panorama painting just a few metres away. He has stood guard by the rotunda since October 2010, and one gets the feeling he is not merely on guard duty but actually re-enacting the famous 1794 victory every single day.

History & Significance

Panoramik was placed at ul. Jana Ewangelisty Purkyniego 11 on 19 October 2010, near the entrance to the Panorama Racławicka rotunda. He was designed by sculptor Beata Zwolańska-Hołod. The Panorama Racławicka is a monumental 360-degree painting measuring 15 by 114 metres, created in 1893-1894 by Jan Styka and Wojciech Kossak to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Racławice - a famous Polish victory over Russian forces on 4 April 1794 during the Kościuszko Uprising. After WWII the painting was brought to Wrocław and displayed in a specially built rotunda that opened in 1985.

Inspiration

Panoramik's uniform, mounted pose and sabre are a direct reference to the figure of Tadeusz Kościuszko as depicted in the painting hanging just a few steps away. He serves as a miniature ambassador for the Panorama Racławicka, one of Wrocław's most visited cultural attractions, welcoming visitors outside before they step into the full-scale battle within.

Fun Facts

• Panoramik is the only Wrocław dwarf depicted on horseback, making him one of the most distinctive figures in the whole collection.
• His uniform mirrors Tadeusz Kościuszko's costume as painted on the monumental canvas hanging just metres away.
• The Panorama Racławicka he guards is 15 metres high and 114 metres long - one of the largest paintings in the world still on permanent display.
• Sculptor Beata Zwolańska-Hołod also created many other Wrocław dwarfs, including Panna Pychotka and O'Barek.
• The real Panorama Racławicka was hidden for decades after WWII because Soviet authorities did not want a painting of Poles defeating Russians on public display.

How to Find This Dwarf

Head to ul. Jana Ewangelisty Purkyniego 11 in Park Słowackiego, about 15 minutes' walk from the Rynek or 5 minutes from the Galeria Dominikańska. Trams 2, 4, 10, 16 and 33 stop at Urząd Wojewódzki. Panoramik stands right by the main entrance to the rotunda - look for him before you buy your ticket.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor

Located on flat paved ground in front of the Panorama Racławicka rotunda. The approach from the car park and street is step-free and fully accessible.