Lying lions

The lying lions are a cast iron sculpture group positioned in front of the Municipal Palm House in Gliwice. The pair displays careful craftsmanship with clean lines and detailed features, characteristic of Neoclassical design from the early 19th century.

The sculptures were created around 1830 by German sculptor Johann Gottfried Schadow, who founded the Berlin School of sculpture during this period. These works emerged during a flourishing time of artistic development in Prussia.

The lions reflect artistic traditions shared between German and Polish communities in the Silesia region. Visitors can observe how these figures shape the space in front of the Palm House and connect people to the area's layered past.

The sculptures are accessible year-round in a public space in front of a botanical location. Visitors can view and photograph the works at any time, examining the cast iron details closely.

These are the only known pair of Schadow's lion works displayed permanently in an outdoor botanical setting. This rarity makes them a singular testimony to his artistic exploration of animal forms.

Location: Śródmieście

Location: Gliwice

Inception: 1830

Creator: Johann Gottfried Schadow

Made from material: cast iron

GPS coordinates: 50.30075,18.66977

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:00