Market
architects. Bolesław Milkowski (construction), Ludwik Panczakiewicz (elevations), Apoloniusz Nieniewski, Władysław Kozłowski
finished. 1900
These twin Market halls were unperturbed during the first half of the 20th century, selling mostly fish and produce. During the Warsaw Uprising they were the site of mass civilian executions and tactical battles. They were reconstructed after the war and slowly returned to their previous use. The West Hall has been the site of Społem (Together) a communist-era supermarket since 1974. It was at this time that an unfortunate and hasty addition was added to the representative facade of the building. The Gwardia Hall became the site of a police (milicja-communist police) sports arena. Today both buildings are a shadow of what they once must have been. Each lovely hall is now the site of supermarkets whose hey-day was 1992 (I think) while the local produce sellers have been relegated to ugly brick passages built just outside. The interiors are still grand and worth a trip. Definately pay attention to the details (the facades are intricate) but also doors and stairs have a modernist flare.
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