Monuments & mounds

Hanka Bielicka Bench in Łomża

At the corner of Farna and Dworna streets, right by the market square in Łomża, sits a woman in a huge hat — Hanka Bielicka, an actress who, though born far from these parts, spent her childhood and youth in Łomża.

A Łomża woman by choice

Bielicka (born Anna Weronika) came into the world in 1915; after World War I her family moved to Łomża, where the future actress graduated from the Maria Konopnicka grammar school. The city stayed with her for good — as an adult she received the title of Honorary Citizen of the City of Łomża. She became famous for her theatre, film and cabaret roles and for her characteristic hats; her words „girls, wear hats" found their way into a song by Majka Jeżowska.

A bronze neighbour of the square

The bench monument was unveiled on 11 November 2007, not quite two years after the artist's death (she died on 9 March 2006). The bronze sculpture is the work of Michał Selerowski, and the backrest bears Hanka Bielicka's signature. The monument was financed by private patrons, with the city mayor as its patron. The bench stands in the very centre — the Łomża cathedral is a few hundred metres away, so it is easy to include in a walk around town.