Wroclaw Dwarfs

Historic Site in Wrocław

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Pnapora

The Wrocław Dwarves (Wrocławskie krasnale) are small figurines, measuring 20–30 cm, that have been appearing on the streets of Wrocław, Poland, since 2005. These whimsical statues have become a beloved tourist attraction, with visitors frequently exploring the city using maps to locate them. As of 2024, Wrocław is home to over 800 dwarves, with six additional figures placed outside the city at the LG plant in Biskupice Podgórne. The dwarves’ popularity has grown immensely, turning them into an iconic symbol of Wrocław and an interactive way for tourists to engage with the city’s charm.

History and Origins

The first dwarf monument was installed in 2001 on Świdnicka Street to honor the Orange Alternative, an anti-communist movement known for its playful and satirical protests. Two years later, in 2003, Wrocław’s mayor expanded the tradition by unveiling a small plaque at The Dwarves’ Museum, located on a historic tenement called Jaś, between the Market Square and St. Elizabeth’s Church. The first five dwarf figurines, designed by Tomasz Moczek, were placed in August 2005 in various locations across the city, including the Fencer near the University of Wrocław, the Butcher in Stare Jatki, two Sisyphuses on Świdnicka Street, and the Oder-Washer-Dwarf near Piasek Bridge. Over the years, the dwarf population has continued to expand, with figures highlighting various themes and social causes. In 2008, a ceremony on Świdnicka Street introduced two new dwarves—the Deaf-Mute and the Blind, created as part of the Wrocław Without Barriers campaign, promoting awareness for people with disabilities. Shortly after, Marzenka, the first female dwarf based on the Mam Marzenie charity logo, was placed at the Hematology and Pediatric Oncology Clinic. Today, these dwarves represent a mix of history, humor, and social engagement, making them an integral part of Wrocław’s cultural identity.

The Wroclaw Dwarfs appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Wrocław!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!