Nicolaus Copernicus Monument in Warsaw

The Nicolaus Copernicus Monument in Warsaw is a bronze statue in Śródmieście showing the astronomer seated, holding a compass in his right hand and an armillary sphere in his left. The sculpture stands 2.8 meters (9 feet) tall in front of Staszic Palace at a busy intersection.

Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen created the monument, which was unveiled on May 11, 1830, in front of Staszic Palace. During World War II, German authorities covered the original Polish inscriptions, which resistance fighters then secretly restored.

The pedestal bears the Latin phrase meaning 'To Nicolaus Copernicus from a Grateful Nation', commemorating the astronomer who proposed that Earth revolves around the Sun. This tribute reflects how Poland celebrates its scientific heritage through public monuments placed at gathering points in the capital.

The monument sits at a central street corner and remains freely accessible at all times, making it a popular meeting point. The surrounding area offers enough space for photographs and the bronze figure can be viewed from multiple angles.

Polish scouts repeatedly removed German signs placed over the original plaques during the occupation. These small acts of resistance became a symbol of quiet defiance against occupiers in wartime Warsaw.

Location: Śródmieście

Inception: 19 century

Creator: Bertel Thorvaldsen

Official opening: May 11, 1830

Height: 2.8 m

Made from material: bronze

Address: Krakowskie Przedmieście

GPS coordinates: 52.23816,21.01797

Latest update: December 20, 2025 11:23