Monument to the Anonymous Passer-by, Wrocław

Sculpture in Wrocław

Wrocław, The Passage
Wrocław, The Passage
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Palickap

The Monument to the Anonymous Passer-by (Pomnik Anonimowego Przechodnia) is one of those Wrocław sights that stops you mid-walk-partly because it's set right into the pavement, and partly because the scene feels uncannily real. You'll find it at the busy intersection of ulica Świdnicka and ulica Piłsudskiego, where bronze pedestrians appear to sink into the ground on one side of the street and re-emerge on the other, as if the city itself is swallowing and releasing them.

It's visually striking, but it's also quietly emotional: ordinary people with bags, coats, and everyday postures, frozen in a moment of vanishing. That mix of public art, memory, and street-level theatre is exactly why it's one of the must-see places in Wrocław-and it fits effortlessly into a walking tour of Wrocław because you'll likely pass through this area anyway, especially if you're arriving by train or staying near the centre.

History and Significance of the Monument to the Anonymous Passer-by

Although the figures feel like they've always belonged to the street, the Wrocław installation was unveiled in December 2005, created by Polish artist Jerzy Kalina. The work is often referred to as Przejście (Passage), a name that captures its central idea: a transition that is both physical (moving through the city) and symbolic (moving through a difficult period of history).

Many locals connect the monument to the experience of communist-era repression and the martial law years in Poland, when public life could feel precarious and people could “disappear” from normal routines-through surveillance, censorship, detention, or the pressure to keep your head down. The piece doesn’t illustrate a single event as much as a shared atmosphere, which is why it resonates even if you don’t arrive with the backstory memorised.

What makes it powerful is its normality. There are no heroic poses or grand pedestals-just everyday citizens, mid-step, caught in an unsettling shift. In a city where layers of identity and history are visible on almost every block, this monument expresses memory in the most Wrocław way possible: embedded directly into the life of the street.

Things to See and Do in the Monument to the Anonymous Passer-by

Start by doing a slow loop around both sides of the crossing. There are 14 life-sized figures in total, and the composition is designed to be read as a single moment stretched across the road-one group descending, the other emerging. It’s worth paying attention to the “in-between” details: the way some bodies are cut at the waist or shoulders, and how the pavement line becomes part of the artwork.

Watch how the monument interacts with real passers-by. This is one of the rare sculptures that changes constantly depending on the crowd, the light, and the weather-commuters brushing past in the morning, couples lingering after dinner, winter coats and umbrellas echoing the bronze silhouettes. If you have time, grab a warm drink nearby and observe for ten minutes; it adds a surprising amount to the experience.

If you're building a small Old Town route, this is also a smart connector stop between the area around Wrocław Główny (the main station) and the Old Town proper. It's not a “long visit” sight, but it's memorable-exactly the kind of place that makes a city feel specific rather than generic.

How to Get to the Monument to the Anonymous Passer-by

If you're flying in, the nearest airport is Wrocław Airport (Copernicus Airport, WRO), and the simplest approach is to take the airport bus into the centre, then walk or hop on a tram to the Świdnicka/Piłsudskiego area. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Wrocław on Booking.com.

If you arrive by rail, head for Wrocław Główny, then walk north-west for around 10-15 minutes; the route is straightforward and brings you directly toward the main crossing where the figures sit. You can easily check schedules and book tickets through the PKP Intercity website. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.

For public transport within the city, trams and buses run frequently along the central corridors, and this intersection is a natural waypoint on many routes between the station, the Old Town, and the main shopping streets.

If you’re driving, it’s usually easiest to park in a central car park near the station or shopping centres and walk the last stretch rather than trying to stop right by the crossing. If you are looking to rent a car in Poland I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Monument to the Anonymous Passer-by

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Best time to visit: Aim for early morning for fewer people and cleaner sightlines, or dusk for dramatic shadows and a more reflective atmosphere.
  • How long to spend: 10-20 minutes is plenty for a full look and a few photos, but it’s easy to fold into a longer stroll between districts.
  • Accessibility: The monument sits on a busy pedestrian crossing, so expect kerbs, paving seams, and frequent foot traffic; take extra care if you move slowly or use mobility aids.
  • Facilities: There are plenty of cafés, shops, and indoor places to warm up nearby, but there are no dedicated on-site visitor facilities at the monument itself.

Where to Stay Close to the Monument to the Anonymous Passer-by

For most visitors, the best base is either the Old Town area for walkable sightseeing and evening atmosphere, or the area around Wrocław Główny if transport links and quick arrivals matter most. If you want a classic, central stay with a sense of place, Hotel Monopol Wrocław puts you right in the same central corridor as the monument, making early walks and late-night strolls feel effortless.

If your priority is being near the Old Town’s restaurants and the prettiest evening streets, PURO Wrocław Stare Miasto is a strong choice for a stylish, walk-everywhere itinerary. And if you’re travelling by rail or you want maximum convenience for onward connections, Scandic Wrocław sits close to the main station while still keeping the centre within easy walking distance.

Is the Monument to the Anonymous Passer-by Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially because it's free, central, and genuinely distinctive. Even if you spend only a few minutes here, it tends to stick with you, and it adds a meaningful layer to Wrocław that you won't get from architecture alone.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Kids often engage with this monument faster than adults because it looks like a visual puzzle: why are people disappearing into the ground? Lean into that curiosity and let them “spot” which figures are going down and which are coming up, then loop around to see the scene from both sides.

Because it’s set on a real crossing, this stop works best as a quick, supervised pause rather than a long linger. If you’re with a stroller, approach from the most convenient curb cuts and be prepared for crowds at peak times.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

This is an unexpectedly good “pause point” on an evening walk, especially when the light is low and the street feels cinematic. It’s the kind of place that invites a short conversation about the city-what you’ve seen, what surprised you, what the artwork might be saying.

Pair it with a slow wander toward the Old Town for dinner, or walk the other way toward the station area for a quieter, less touristy feel. It's not romantic in a postcard way, but it's memorable in a more intimate, thoughtful way.

Budget Travelers

For budget itineraries, this monument is exactly the type of stop you want: central, free, and easy to combine with multiple neighbourhoods in one walk. It gives you a “signature Wrocław” experience without needing tickets, queues, or fixed time slots.

If you're tracking costs, plan to see it as part of a self-guided loop that also includes the Old Town and the riverfront areas, using trams only when your feet are done for the day.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (2,432)

The Passage on Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego is a series of bronze figurines set into the pavement that appear to sink into the ground on one side of a pedestrian crossing and emerge on the other, creating a striking, sometimes eerie sculptural composition; visitors find it clever and engaging for photos (especially popular with children), easy to visit at street level with no entrance fee, and recommend timing your visit for quieter moments to avoid crowds.

Andrew Long
a year ago
"There are two parts to this modern sculpture on either side of the pedestrian crossing. The sculptures disappear into the ground before the crossingand emerge after it. It's fascinating and reminds me of the statues in Dublin of the Great famine. It's popular especially with children and so you need patience if you wish to take pictures of the statues without children!..."
Martyn Birch
6 months ago
"In my opinion a very clever piece of sculpture placed on either side of a busy road at traffic lights. I presume it signifies the people using anunderpass. No charge, no wait just roadside sculpture. Only 300-400 yards from Wroclaw Glowny train station...."
Polina
8 months ago
"An amazing sculptural composition! Interesting and impressive, but also a bit creepy"

FAQs for Visiting the Monument to the Anonymous Passer-by

Getting There

It sits at the intersection of ulica Świdnicka and ulica Piłsudskiego in central Wrocław. You’ll recognise it immediately because the figures are placed on both sides of the pedestrian crossing.
Walk south from the Market Square area toward Świdnicka Street and keep following the main pedestrian flow. The closer you get to Piłsudskiego, the busier it becomes, and the monument appears right on the crossing.
It’s an easy 10-15 minute walk heading toward the city centre along the main roads. If the weather is poor, a short tram ride also gets you close with minimal walking.
Driving is rarely worth it just for this sight because the monument is on a busy central intersection. If you already have a car, park once in the centre and treat this as a walking stop.

Tickets & Entry

No-this is a public street installation, so you simply turn up and view it as part of the city. There’s no booking and no timed entry.
Stumbling across it works beautifully, but it’s worth circling both sides of the crossing so you catch the full disappearing-and-reappearing effect. The scene reads differently depending on your angle.
Occasionally the area can feel crowded due to city events or street works, but the installation is in a major pedestrian zone so access is usually maintained. If the crossing is very busy, return later in the day for a calmer look.

Visiting Experience

Ten minutes is enough to see both sides, take a few photos, and notice the details. It’s best approached as a quick, high-impact stop rather than a long visit.
Yes, and in some ways it becomes even more atmospheric in rain or fog because the street reflections amplify the mood. Just be cautious on wet paving and don’t linger in the flow of commuters.
Link it with a walk toward the Market Square for architecture and cafés, or head toward the station area if you’re arriving or departing that day. It also pairs well with a broader Old Town loop.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Often, yes-especially tours that focus on modern history or the city’s symbolic landmarks. Even without a guide, it’s easy to place it naturally into a self-guided route.
Independent works fine because the artwork is self-explanatory visually. A guided tour adds context about the artist and the historical associations, which can deepen the meaning if that interests you.

Photography

Very-because it creates a strong narrative in a single frame and interacts with real pedestrians. You can capture both detail shots and wider scenes that blend the sculpture into everyday city life.
Stand slightly back from the crossing so you can frame multiple figures at once, showing the “sinking” effect clearly. Then switch sides to photograph the re-emerging group for a matched pair.

Accessibility & Facilities

The area is flat and central, but it’s a working crossing with crowds and uneven paving seams. Go at a quieter time and take the crossing slowly for a less stressful experience.
Yes-there are plenty of cafés and indoor public spaces nearby where you can warm up and rest. It’s easiest to treat the monument as a stop between breaks rather than a destination with its own seating.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Head toward the Old Town side for classic cafés and a wider choice of restaurants, especially around the Market Square and its surrounding streets. If you’re near the station, you’ll also find fast, practical options for a quick bite.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s a well-trafficked central zone with plenty of people around, though it can feel hectic at peak times. As anywhere, keep an eye on your belongings in crowds.
Early morning gives you clearer views and fewer pedestrians in photos, while later in the day feels more dramatic and “alive.” If you can, pass by twice-once for clarity, once for mood.

Nearby Attractions to the Monument to the Anonymous Passer-by

  • Market Square (Rynek): Wrocław's grand medieval square, perfect for architecture, cafés, and people-watching.
  • Old Town Hall: A Gothic masterpiece on the Rynek with richly detailed façades and a strong sense of the city's civic history.
  • Royal Palace in Wrocław: A polished, museum-focused stop that adds royal and regional context to your Old Town time.
  • National Museum in Wrocław: A major art collection in a striking riverside building, ideal for a deeper cultural afternoon.
  • Ostrów Tumski: The atmospheric cathedral island, especially rewarding at dusk when the historic streets feel calm and timeless.

The Monument to the Anonymous Passer-by appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Wrocław!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Address: The Passage, Marszałka Józefa Piłsudskiego, Wrocław, Poland
Wrocław: 1 km

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