Bluesman Monument in Katowice

Above Mariacka Street in Katowice, five metres over the heads of passers-by, hangs a sculpture of a figure with a guitar. It is fixed to steel cables and looks as if it is balancing above the cobbles.

Where the hanging bluesman came from

The author of the sculpture is Jerzy Kędziora, and the monument was unveiled in 2016. The idea came from Leszek Winder, co-founder of the group Krzak and a musician of the Silesian Blues Group, who wanted to commemorate Silesian bluesmen. At first an ordinary bench was planned, but in the end a figure suspended in the air was chosen. The unveiling date refers to Polish Blues Day, celebrated on 16 September on the anniversary of B.B. King's birth.

Nearby

Mariacka is one of the best-known streets of the city centre. Close by are the Stanisław Wyspiański Silesian Theatre and the Rialto Cinema-Theatre.

Practical information

• Place: Mariacka Street, Katowice-Śródmieście.
• The sculpture is viewed from the street, looking up.
• No admission is needed; it is an element of public space.