The Palace of Culture and Science (also known as PKiN) is a landmark high-rise building in central Warsaw. A gift from the Soviet Union it was constructed from 1952 to 1955 and has a total height of 237 metres (778 ft) and is the second tallest building in Poland. PKiN houses various public and cultural institutions such an eight screen cinema, theatres, libraries, sports clubs, university faculties, and authorities of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Four 6.3 metre (21 ft) clock faces were added to the top of the building ahead of the millennium celebrations in 2000 and the clocks began working on 31st December 2000. Since 2007, it has been enlisted in the Registry of Objects of Cultural Heritage. Despite being such a big Warsaw landmark PKiN is a highly controversial building for some, and is often viewed as a reminder of Soviet influence over the Polish People's Republic, especially due to its construction during mass violations of human rights under Stalin. There have been calls to demolish it which having visited it I feel would be a big shame. It is beautifully illuminated at night and during the day a trip up to the observation deck to get 360' views of Warsaw is worth the minimal cost entry ticket.
































