Poznań will restore Park Wilsona’s historic concert shell and landmark fountain, preserving two of the city’s best-loved heritage features while improving them for future generations.
For more than a century, Park Wilsona has been one of Poznań’s most treasured green spaces, welcoming generations of residents for walks, concerts and family outings. Now, two of its most recognisable historic features are set to receive significant investment, ensuring they remain centrepieces of the park for years to come.
The City, through Poznańskie Inwestycje Miejskie (PIM), has announced separate tenders for the restoration of the park’s historic concert shell and its landmark fountain. Both projects form part of wider efforts to preserve one of Poznań’s most important heritage sites while upgrading facilities for modern use.
Historic concert shell to be restored and modernised
The distinctive concert shell, located within the historic park landscape, was originally completed in 1936. Designed by architect Jerzy Tuszowski in collaboration with engineer Oskar Pohlman, it was created to improve acoustics for the growing number of concerts and cultural events taking place in Park Wilsona during the interwar period.
Over the decades, alterations were made to the building, including the enlargement of its stage, while original surrounding structures, such as the pergola and trellis, disappeared altogether.
The upcoming project will combine careful conservation with modern improvements. As well as restoring the historic structure, contractors will:
- Repair and waterproof the building
- Restore the façade and architectural detailing
- Renovate the stairs and plinth
- Replace windows and doors
- Reconfigure the basement areas
- Upgrade water, drainage, heating and electrical systems
- Install photovoltaic panels to improve energy efficiency
One of the most notable elements of the scheme is the reconstruction of the original pergola and trellis using the 1936 architectural plans, bringing back features that have been absent from the park for decades.
Companies have until 20 July to submit bids for the project.
Landmark fountain to regain its original appearance
The park’s historic fountain, positioned between the Poznań Palm House, the concert shell and the sculpture Perseusz i Andromeda, will also undergo a comprehensive restoration.
Designed by architect Roger Sławski for the 1929 Powszechna Wystawa Krajowa (General National Exhibition), the fountain has become one of the defining landmarks of Park Wilsona. Its distinctive eight-pointed star layout reflected the modernist design language of the exhibition and remains instantly recognisable today.
After nearly a century of continuous use, the structure now requires extensive conservation work.
The planned restoration will include:
- Repairing or replacing damaged structural elements
- Conserving the original terrazzo finishes
- Waterproofing underground reservoirs and fountain chambers
- Installing new electrical, lighting and technical systems
- Carrying out all work under the supervision of heritage conservation specialists
As Park Wilsona is listed on the register of historic monuments, every stage of the project will follow strict conservation requirements.
A park with more than 120 years of history
Opened to the public in 1902, Park Wilsona is the oldest public park in Poznań. Known for its impressive collection of trees and plants, it was once considered the city’s botanical garden before the dedicated Botanical Garden was established elsewhere.
The park later gained ponds, an alpine garden and what would become today’s popular Poznań Palm House, evolving into one of the city’s most important recreational spaces.
In 1926, the park was named after Thomas Woodrow Wilson, the President of the United States, whose support for an independent Poland, particularly through his Fourteen Points, earned lasting recognition across the country. Although the park temporarily carried a different name during the communist period, its historic dedication to Wilson was restored after 1990.
Why it matters
Park Wilsona is one of Poznań’s best-loved parks, combining history, architecture and green space in the heart of Łazarz. Restoring both the concert shell and the fountain will protect significant examples of the city’s heritage while enhancing a venue that continues to host community events, cultural performances and everyday recreation.
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