Seventy years after its official opening, the Palace of Culture and Science in central Warsaw continues to provoke mixed emotions among Poles. The iconic structure, a towering gift from Soviet leader Josef Stalin during Poland’s time under Soviet influence, still stands as a symbol of a complex and contested history, reports Reuters. When the palace was completed in 1955, it was seen as a display of Soviet dominance, with its imposing height and visibility from kilometers away. Originally named after Stalin, it served as a visual statement of power in the heart of the capital. “If you place such a massive building in the center of the city, visible from 30 kilometers away, you’re making a statement,” said Dorota Zmarzlak, a member of the palace’s board. She noted, however, that younger generations tend not to associate the building with its original political symbolism. After the fall of communism in 1989, Poland removed many Soviet-era monuments and renamed numerous streets. Yet the palace remained, even as political figures like Radosław Sikorski, now Poland’s foreign minister, called for its demolition as early as 2007. Over the decades, the building has been repurposed as a cultural venue. It has hosted concerts, political events, exhibitions, and fashion shows. Performers like Andrea Bocelli and José Carreras have appeared on its stage. When the Rolling Stones performed there in 1967, tensions erupted into riots—an unusual event during the communist era. For some, the palace holds personal significance. Zygmunt Kowalski, an 89-year-old retired railway worker, moved to Warsaw just a month after the palace opened. He recalls taking his daughter to swim in its pool and attending concerts and films there. “Everything can be demolished, but this should stay,” he said. “Let it serve as a reminder of what once was. Future generations will understand that communism existed here.” Today, the palace houses four theaters, a cinema, several museums, and regularly hosts exhibitions. Its concert hall is currently undergoing renovation. Younger residents increasingly view the palace as a key part of the city’s identity, rather than as a Soviet relic. “For me, it’s a symbol of Warsaw,” said Karol Los, a 23-year-old student. “I think young people see it completely differently than the older generation.” Others see architectural and historical value in the structure. Valerij Shcherbak, a 32-year-old architect from Ukraine, praised its detailed design and ongoing popularity with visitors. “This is history, and we must respect it,” he said, noting that many Soviet-era buildings in Ukraine have been lost. “What happened in the past should be preserved, not erased.” Source: CTK