Barasch Brothers' Department Store, Art Nouveau department store in Market Square, Wrocław, Poland.
Barasch Brothers' Department Store is a six-story structure rising 37 meters above Wrocław's Market Square with distinctive large display windows across its facade. The building features ornamental details characteristic of Art Nouveau design, organized with retail sections on lower floors and office spaces in the upper levels.
Built in 1904 under architect Georg Schneider's design, this department store became a landmark in the Market Square. It endured significant damage during World War II but reopened in 1946 under Polish administration, marking the beginning of its role in the post-war economy.
The building reflects how commerce shaped the city's identity after World War II, becoming a symbol of Polish economic renewal in the Market Square. You can see this story written in the way the store was adapted and transformed over the decades.
The building spans multiple levels with clearly organized spaces, making it easy to navigate whether you explore inside or simply observe the facade from the square. The ground level and street-facing sections offer the best views of the Art Nouveau details and architectural features.
The original Art Nouveau design featured a glass globe crowning the main tower, which was removed during a 1929 exterior modernization. This lost element tells the story of how the building evolved to meet changing tastes and needs.
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