The Gnomes of Wrocław

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Soon after our arrival in Wrocław we began to notice the tiny statues around the city. One was right outside our hotel! These are the Gnomes or Dwarfs of Wrocław (Wrocławskie Krasnale). They are everywhere about the city. The tiny sculptures were installed beginning in 2001. They commemorate the Orange Alternative movement that peacefully protested suppression of free speech and assembly during the time of martial law in Poland from 1981-1983. The movement's tactics included street art that featured images of dwarfs. They new dwarfs assume whimsical poses, with themes often associated with the area of the city in which they are located. Some are easy to spot on the ground or on window ledges, while others are hidden on lampposts and such. More continue to be added and it is thought that there are more than 600 gnomes around Wrocław.

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Photos

Bartonik
Wrocław dwarfs: Bartonik, the ice cream dwarf. Holding ice cream cones in front of the Barton ice cream shop.
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Papa Krasnal
Wrocław dwarfs: Papa Krasnal. The original dwarf, installed in 2001.
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Drukarz Kacper
Wrocław Dwarves: Drukarz Kacper - Casper the Printer.
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Gazuś
Wrocław Dwarves: Gazuś, the lamplighter dwarf.
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Kinoman Młodszy
Wrocław dwarfs: Kinoman Młodszy - Cinema man Młodszy. He is off to the Nowe Horyzonty film festival.
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Szomol
Wrocław dwarfs: Szomol the orchestra conductor. He is at the National Forum of Music concert hall.
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Florianek
Wrocław dwarfs: Florianek, the chimney sweep dwarf.
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Lionek
Wrocław dwarfs: Lionek, a member of the Lions Club.
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RMFek
Wrocław dwarfs: RMFek - RMF (Radio Muzyka Fakty FM) listener.
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Tynkuś
Wrocław dwarfs: Tynkuś, the plasterer dwarf.
Krasnal Baumitek
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Chrapek
Wrocław dwarfs: Chrapek, the sleeping dwarf. In front of Hotel Patio.
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Arcik Podróżnik
Wrocław dwarfs: Arcik Podróżnik, the traveler. In front of Art Hotel.
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Symphony Orchestra
Wrocław dwarfs: Orkiestra Symfoniczna - Symphony Orchestra.
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Comments

[D MJ Binkley]

Gnomes
An adorable collection of gnomes.

[AndrewHL]

Gnomes
They really are a whimsical lot. I understand new ones keep appearing.