Invisible Street (Niewidzialna Ulica) in Poznań has been captivating visitors for five years with its one-of-a-kind sensory experience. This extraordinary exhibit invites participants to step into total darkness and navigate the world using only touch, hearing, and smell. By challenging perceptions and fostering empathy, Invisible Street has become a cornerstone of inclusive tourism in the city.
Experiencing Poznań Beyond Sight
How does Poznań reveal itself when sight is removed from the equation? Invisible Street, a unique exhibit located on Matejki 53, answers this question with an unforgettable journey. Here, visitors step into complete darkness, relying solely on touch, sound, smell, and their imaginations to navigate and connect with the world. This innovative space just celebrated its fifth anniversary, inviting the public to join special events and rediscover empathy and curiosity in new ways.
Invisible Street is more than an attraction; it is a hub for social inclusion and education. Guided by visually impaired individuals, visitors learn about living without sight, discover Braille, and explore communication techniques like the Lorm alphabet for the deafblind. These interactions not only broaden awareness but also highlight the resourcefulness and resilience of those who navigate life with vision impairments.
A Milestone Celebration
To mark five years of success, Invisible Street has organised a series of captivating events. One highlight is a sensory journey through the exhibit followed by a tasting experience—both conducted in complete darkness. These free events, held on 26 and 28 November, invite participants to explore their senses in extraordinary ways, revealing how taste, smell, and touch can take on heightened significance.
Another compelling experience is a blindfolded guided walk through Poznań’s city centre, offered on 25 and 27 November. Participants are paired with guides from Invisible Street, allowing them to experience firsthand the challenges that visually impaired individuals face daily. These walks encourage deeper understanding and empathy for those navigating urban environments with significant vision loss.
For those interested in theatrical art, the Invisible Theatre project offers a one-of-a-kind performance in total darkness. The show, titled Polynesian Woodpecker, combines sound effects, voice acting, and sensory storytelling to create an immersive experience. This unique performance takes place on 24 November and is part of the broader anniversary celebrations.
Invisible Street’s Social Mission
Invisible Street is part of Poznań’s larger effort to support social economy initiatives—programmes designed to create opportunities for individuals who face barriers in the traditional job market. From its inception, Invisible Street has employed blind and visually impaired individuals, providing meaningful work and a supportive environment.
The exhibit is also connected to the Nice Things Workshop, part of the Greater Poland Centre for Social Economy. This workshop supports various organisations, offering a platform for networking, skills-building, and community development. Located on Święty Marcin, it serves as a vital resource for fostering social inclusion and empowering individuals across Poznań.
A Place of Empathy and Discovery
Invisible Street has earned its place as one of Poznań’s most unique attractions. By immersing visitors in complete darkness, it challenges preconceptions about disability and encourages participants to see the world from a new perspective—one defined by sensory richness rather than visual input.
The guided tours, which last 30-45 minutes, are tailored to small groups and focus on interactive, hands-on experiences. Visitors are encouraged to navigate daily tasks, such as finding objects or understanding the layout of a space, without the use of sight. This sensory exploration is complemented by educational elements, including tips on assisting visually impaired individuals and workshops on Braille and eye health.
The Birth of Invisible Theatre
A standout addition to Invisible Street’s offerings is the Invisible Theatre, which builds upon the concept of sensory engagement by creating performances in complete darkness. This project was initiated in 2021, bringing together actors, directors, and visually impaired collaborators to craft stories that resonate through sound and emotion alone.
The upcoming play Polynesian Woodpecker is a light-hearted and adventurous tale about ornithologists attempting to record the sounds of a rare bird. Without any visual cues, audiences rely on vivid soundscapes and dialogue to immerse themselves in the story, fostering a deeper appreciation for auditory storytelling.
Looking Ahead: Building Empathy and Awareness
Five years on, Invisible Street remains a beacon of innovation and inclusivity. Its mission to bridge understanding between sighted and visually impaired communities is more relevant than ever. By pushing boundaries and offering transformative experiences, it continues to inspire both residents and visitors to Poznań.
As Invisible Street moves forward, it aims to expand its programming, engage more people in conversations about accessibility, and remain a place where imagination thrives in the absence of light.
