The iconic neon sign “Poznańskie Słowiki,” which has long been a symbol of the city’s rich musical heritage, has been reinstalled on its original site at Święty Marcin Street. After years of darkness, this legendary light installation is once again illuminating the historic city centre, much to the delight of residents and visitors alike.
A Piece of History Rekindled
The neon “Poznańskie Słowiki” was first unveiled in 1974, a creation of the renowned Poznań-based artist Antoni Rzyski. “Poznańskie Słowiki,” (“The Nightingales of Poznań”) is a renowned Polish boys’ and men’s choir that is highly regarded both in Poland and internationally. Founded in 1939, the choir has become a symbol of Poznań’s rich musical tradition. Known for their exceptional vocal performances, the choir has toured extensively, performing in prestigious venues around the world and earning acclaim for their interpretations of classical choral music.
Designed to reflect the city’s vibrant cultural scene, the neon sign features a musical staff, a treble clef, and animated nightingales hopping along the notes — a tribute to the famous Poznań Boys’ Choir. For decades, this neon sign was a defining feature of Święty Marcin Street, embodying the spirit of the Poznań Philharmonic and its choir, led by the legendary conductor Stefan Stuligrosz.
However, like many neon signs from its era, the “Poznańskie Słowiki” fell into disrepair during the 1990s, as neon lighting gradually lost its popularity. The sign remained dark for years, until a partial restoration in 2007 brought it back to life, albeit briefly. Now, thanks to a recent city-led initiative, the neon has been fully restored and is once again shining brightly in its original glory.
The Restoration Effort
The restoration of the “Poznańskie Słowiki” neon was no small feat. The project, which cost over 40,000 złoty, was supported by the City of Poznań as part of a broader campaign to revitalise the city’s neon heritage. This initiative, known as “Neonowy Poznań,” aims to restore and celebrate the historic neon signs that once adorned the streets of Poznań, bringing a nostalgic glow back to the urban landscape.
The neon sign, now situated on the roof of Building B at the University of Economics, has been meticulously repaired to ensure its colours and animations are as vibrant as they were in the 1970s. The sign lights up every evening from 19:00 to 23:00, drawing the eyes of passers-by and reminding older generations of the city’s musical past, while offering a striking visual treat for the younger generation.
Reviving Poznań’s Neon Heritage
The return of the “Poznańskie Słowiki” is part of a larger movement within the city to preserve and promote its cultural heritage through neon art. The “Neonowy Poznań” competition, launched in 2023, invites businesses, non-profits, and property owners from across Poznań to submit designs for new neon signs or to propose the restoration of old ones. This competition, which originally focused on the city centre, was expanded in 2024 to include the entire city, reflecting the growing interest in neon art as a vital element of Poznań’s identity.
This year, 12 proposals were submitted to the competition, with 11 passing the initial evaluation stage. The final selection will be made by a panel of experts from the City of Poznań and the University of Arts in Poznań, who will assess the designs based on their artistic merit, originality, and feasibility. The winning designs will be awarded a share of the 100,000 złoty prize fund, with the cost of producing each neon limited to 15,000 złoty.
A Beacon of Cultural Continuity
The reinstallation of the “Poznańskie Słowiki” neon is more than just a restoration of a beloved city landmark; it’s a celebration of Poznań’s enduring cultural legacy. As the neon shines once more over Święty Marcin Street, it serves as a beacon of the city’s vibrant past and a symbol of its commitment to preserving the artistic expressions that define its character. Whether for nostalgia or for new experiences, the return of this iconic neon is sure to be a source of pride and joy for the people of Poznań.