Spodek
Spodek is a large multipurpose arena in Katowice with a distinctive disc-shaped dome built from reinforced concrete that seats around 11,000 people. Inside the complex you also find a hotel, an ice rink, and parking facilities spread across the structure.
The concept for Spodek emerged in the 1950s and was selected through a 1958 design competition won by architects Maciej Gintowt and Maciej Krasiński. Construction took place between 1964 and 1971, paused at one point due to safety concerns that were resolved through testing with soldiers.
The name Spodek means saucer and refers to the building's distinctive flying saucer shape. The structure became a symbol of a time when Poland wanted to break from strict architectural traditions and embrace bold, experimental design after rebuilding from the war.
The venue is easily accessible by public transport or on foot from the city center since it is located in the Koszutka district. Interior tours can be arranged for groups of up to 15 people, but these are not available during the summer months of July through September.
A hidden detail is a five-note tune from the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind that plays when the lights turn on. This small nod to film and science fiction fans adds a moment of surprise to every visit.
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