Man Crossing the River Sculpture
Description
The “Man Crossing the River” sculpturecame to Bydgoszcz on May 1, 2004, in order
to commemorate Poland’s accession to the
European Union. This unique sculpture was
made by Jerzy Kędziora. The mystery of the
“Man Crossing the River” consists in shifting
of its centre of gravity below the rope
level. Thanks to this solution, the sculpture
maintains its balance. A swallow (which
is Schwalbe in German) was also placed
on the rope in order to commemorate the
outstanding citizen of Bydgoszcz, founder
of the Pomeranian Philharmonic, Andrzej
Szwalbe.
Bydgoszcz granaries on the River
Brda are almost like the coat of arms of
the city. Only several historical granaries
have remained in Bydgoszcz, with only
four dating from before the 19th century,
standing on the riverside in the city centre.
All of them are half-timbered buildings
serving today as museums. Three granaries
at 9-11 Grodzka Street (the image of which
is commemorated on the contemporary logo of Bydgoszcz), were built in 1793-1800
by merchant Samuel Gotlieb Engelmann.
Initially, the complex in Grodzka Street
consisted of five granaries built as a row of
houses, which were used as warehouses. In
1960, two of them were completely burned
down. They were such an important part of
the cityscape of that time that some local
residents would welcome their rebuilding.
In 1962, the preserved granaries were
transformed into exhibition buildings of
the Leon Wyczółkowski District Museum of
Bydgoszcz. In 2006, works were completed
on the thorough remodelling and
modernization of the interiors. The favourite
granary of Bydgoszcz residents, which is also
one of the most popular local landmarks,
is the granary closest to Mostowa Street,
sometimes called the “Dutch” granary due
to its de l’Orme roof. In front of this granary,
a small amphitheatre was established and a
miniature, bronze model of Bydgoszcz from
early centuries is currently displayed.