The Promised land, Textile City, a place of dialogue for four cultures – these are just some of the names used over the years to describe Łódź. However, modern Łódź is more than just a town with an industrial past –it is a lively, creative, and dynamic city with inspiring history, stimulating art, and attractions. Former textile factories have been turned into recreational and residential complexes, with modern office buildings sprouting up between them, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing architectural buckle to bind the urban fabric together.
Exploring Łódź should being on Piotrkowska Street. Once exclusively used to move goods around, today it serves as a pedestrian promenade and centerpiece of Łódź. With a length of over 2.5 miles, it connects two distantly situated squares – Liberty Square in the north and Independence Square to the south.
The Piotrkowska Street is lined up with rows of Art Nouveau-style townhouses. These meticulously preserved 19th-century brownstones are Piotrkowska’s iconic calling cards and are easily her best recognizable element. The most interesting tenement on the way is found at Piotrkowska 3. Although the front may seem unassuming at first glance, it hides a real, local gem and an inspirational piece of art: the Rose Passage. The installation is an official national monument of history called Łódź – Multicultural Landscape of an Industrial City. The Landau tenement at Piotrkowska 29, the Ludwik Meyer municipal palace at Piotrkowska 74, and the former residence of Juliusz Heinzel at Piotrkowska 104, are also worth a stop.
Łódź is home to a film and theatre academy, whose famous graduates such as Andrzej Wajda, Krzysztof Kieślowski, and one notorious Roman Polański have become part of the history of cinematography. Just as in Hollywood, Piotrkowska Street has its own Walk of Fame, honoring distinguished Polish actors and filmmakers. The streets of Łódź have so far provided the setting for over two hundred films and television series. Two films produced by the studio went on to win Oscars. The museums of Cinematography and Animation provide an insight into the local filmmaking history.
Strolling along Piotrkowska Street creates a perfect opportunity to visit local restaurants, trendy bistro bars, or niche boutiques run by young local artists. Many of these locations are hidden in courtyards, side streets, and alleyways. The most prominent and fashionable food and art court aptly named OFF Piotrkowska is found at No. 138/140. OFF Piotrkowska is a network of pubs, bars, galleries, and shops housed inside a former factory and on the courtyard outside.
Manufaktura is another location popular among locals and visitors alike. Manufaktura is a cultural and entertainment complex created in revitalized textile factory structures of the former business magnate Izrael Poznański. Beautifully restored red-bricked weaving mills host restaurants, recreational venues, museums, and a 4- star designer Vienna House Andel’s Hotel. Andel’s rooftop swimming pool provides spectacular city views. Manufaktura is fronted by an 8.5 acres market square which, depending on the season, serves as a beach, ice rink, outdoor movie theater, or amusement park. Right next door stands the remarkable Poznański Palace which houses the Museum of the City of Łódź. Manufaktura has been awarded the Certificate of the Polish Tourism Organization for its original and exceptional urban concept.
Street art is a permanent and creative part of the city’s landscape. Murals of various sizes, realistic or abstract, paintings, sculptures, and art installations decorate many of Łódź buildings, walls, and sidewalks. Łódź can boldly call itself the capital of Polish street art.
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