Warsaw Central 50th Anniversary
We invite you to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Warszawa Centralna station, one of the most important railway stations in Poland. From December 5th to 7th, the station will be filled with unique attractions prepared for those who are creating its history.
Fifty years ago, on December 5, 1975, an icon of modernism opened – the Warszawa Centralna railway station, which was considered one of the most modern facilities of its kind in Europe at the time, partly thanks to the use of innovative technologies and imported materials. The facility was built in response to the dynamically growing transport needs of the capital. Although Warszawa Centralna is one of the most recognizable buildings of post-war Poland, it remains a symbol of innovation. Since 2019, when it was entered into the register of historical monuments and named after the outstanding Polish composer Stanisław Moniuszko, the facility also serves as a protected cultural heritage site.
– Warsaw Central Station is not just a symbol of modern Poland and a key transportation hub. It's the heart of the capital – a place that has witnessed countless human stories and an icon of pop culture dear to many generations of Poles. Today, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this unique facility, we look back with respect at its rich history, but also with pride towards its future. As Polish State Railways, we are committed to ensuring that Warsaw Central Station maintains its status as a place worthy of its role – the gateway to the capital and one of the most important symbols of Polish railways. – said Alan Beroud, CEO of PKP S.A.
The round anniversary of Warsaw Central Station has become an impetus for preparing a rich jubilee program, including numerous attractions for a wide audience – travelers, railway enthusiasts, the youngest and oldest residents of the capital, and tourists. The official opening of the celebrations will begin on December 5th at 8:00 AM in the main hall of the station. Zones with attractions will be created in this part of the facility, introducing guests to the unique atmosphere of the jubilee. Visitors can expect, among other things, coffee served by WARS, sweets from E. Wedel, an interactive game dedicated to the history of railways and PKP, as well as a concert by a star whose name remains a surprise.
An exceptional exhibition, „50 Years of Central Station in State Archives,” will be available to see in the main hall of the station. On December 5th, during its opening, a curator-led tour will be held for those interested in the history of the object and unique archival materials. The exhibition has been prepared based on collections from the National Digital Archives, the State Archives in Warsaw, and the Archives of New Acts. Selected parts of the exhibition are available online: https://100.pkp.pl/warszawa-centralna/.
A sentimental „memory zone” will also be created on the mezzanine of the station, where contemporary and archival recordings documenting the life of this place will be broadcast. Additionally, on December 6th, the celebration program will be enriched with attractions prepared especially for the youngest in connection with St. Nicholas Day. The 50th anniversary of Warszawa Centralna will conclude on December 7th.
The 50th anniversary of Warszawa Centralna coincides with a broader calendar of events accompanying two special anniversaries: the 200th anniversary of the world's first passenger train journey and the 100th anniversary of the Polish State Railways, both of which fall in 2026 – declared the Year of the Polish Railway by the Sejm of the Republic of Poland.
The honorary patronage over the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Warszawa Centralna station was taken by: the Minister of Infrastructure and the Mayor of the Capital City of Warsaw. The media patronage over the event was taken by Telewizja Polska, Warsaw Branch. The partners of the event are: the State Archives in Warsaw and E. Wedel.
