Fryderyk Chopin Statue

The Chopin Statue in Łazienki Park is not only one of the most recognizable Polish sculptures but also a hallmark of Warsaw on a par with the legendary Mermaid of Warsaw. The monument is a copy of the original bronze statue from 1958 and depicts the composer resting under a willow.

The monument was cast on the initiative of the Warsaw Music Society which decided to commemorate the artist already in 1876. Unfortunately, the then political situation didn't favor such actions, therefore monument wasn't introduced to the city until 1926. Thanks to the request of famous singer and soloist of the tsarist court Adelajda Bolska, the permission was given by Nicholas II the Emperor of Russia himself. The competition for the statue's shape was announced and was won by Wacław Szymanowski. The original project aroused controversy and wasn't approved. The tsar didn't sign permission until it was corrected. During World War II, the monument was blown by Germans and then cut and melted into weapons.

What is interesting is the fact that Franciszek Mączyński planned to include frogs in the original project around the composer engrossed in willow's hum.