Stary Browar

Historic Building and Shopping Centre in Poznań

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Pluszooowa

Stary Browar, built within the remaining structures of the 19th‑century Hugger Brewery, is a masterful example of architectural repurposing and cultural revival. Opened in November 2003, the complex blends original red-brick façades and neo-Romanesque industrial architecture with modern design by Poznań’s ADS Studio. Rather than erasing history, the architects preserved the character of the brewery—including iron staircases, old signage, and arched windows—while integrating new volumes and glass structures. This sensitive approach earned Stary Browar the prestigious ICSC award as the Best Shopping Centre in the World in its category just two years after opening.

More than just a mall, Stary Browar embodies the bold “50‑50” concept, championed by founder Grażyna Kulczyk, which pairs commerce and culture in equal measure. Inside you’ll find around 200 stores, cafés, restaurants, cinemas, and an on-site luxury hotel—but also a dedicated art courtyard, exhibition spaces, and performance venues. The Art Stations Gallery regularly presents multidisciplinary exhibitions and pop-culture events, while the Malt House studio hosts dance, music, and film, making the centre a thriving cultural hub as well as a shopping destination.

Stary Browar also features a new Food Hall zone, launched in 2025 and designed by the mode:lina studio. Inspired by European market halls, it offers a carefully curated mix of independent street-food vendors, cocktail bars, and communal dining areas that reflect global flavors—from Korean dumplings to Polish craft beers. With around 600 seats, weekend DJ sets, and an atmosphere that encourages both spontaneity and community, the Food Hall adds a creative, culinary dimension to the centre’s mix of services and experiences.

Beyond shopping and art, Stary Browar is surrounded by a 4-hectare park, which was revitalized and transformed into a green meeting space in the years following the complex’s redevelopment. Combined with its prime location at the southern end of Półwiejska Street—Poznań’s stylish pedestrian promenade—the centre has significantly reshaped the city’s urban landscape and social life. With nearly 9 million visitors annually, Stary Browar remains an iconic symbol of Poznań’s successful integration of heritage, design, and vibrant public space.

The Stary Browar appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Poznań!

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