Hanka Bielicka Bench in Łomża

On the Old Market Square in Łomża sits a bronze Hanka Bielicka – wearing, of course, a hat with an enormous brim, her trademark throughout her career. Her signature is on the backrest and the seat beside her is free, so you can sit down next to one of Poland's best-loved cabaret stars and take a photo together.

Why Łomża?

Hanka Bielicka (1915–2006) was born in what is now Ukraine, while her parents were fleeing the First World War, but after the war the family settled in Łomża. She spent almost all of her childhood and youth here, graduated from the Maria Konopnicka girls' grammar school and remained attached to the town all her life. She was an honorary citizen of Łomża and supported, among others, the local children's home. Nationwide fame came from cabaret and radio – for years she played the gossipy Dziunia Pietrusińska in the popular radio show "Podwieczorek przy mikrofonie", and her film roles included "Forbidden Songs" and "Colonel Wolodyjowski".

History of the monument

The bench was unveiled on 11 November 2007, some 18 months after the artist's death. It was funded by Roman Engler, Jan Kurpiewski and Marek Mackiewicz, and the bronze was made by sculptor Michał Selerowski. It originally stood on Farna Street, where it meets Dworna Street and the Old Market Square. In June 2023, when the revitalised square reopened for the 605th anniversary of Łomża's town charter, it was moved onto the square itself. Since 2007 Łomża has also hosted a public-speaking contest in her name under the motto "Joy from under the hat".

Tripto tip

The bench is in a public space with no tickets or opening hours; 10 minutes is enough for a photo. While you are here, look at the exposed walls of the 15th-century town hall, uncovered during the revitalisation and now on display on the square. Sit to one side of the sculpture so you do not hide the hat and the signature – they make the picture. St Michael's Cathedral is a few minutes' walk away, so the two are easy to combine in a short stroll around the centre.