In a last-ditch effort to save an iconic piece of postmodern architecture from its looming demolition, preservationists in Wrocław, Poland have taken an unconventional, yet jovial approach to protesting. Dancing to hits from the 1990s, clad in that era’s attire, in which there was an accompanying fashion show, protestors are paying homage to the Solpol department store. 

Built in 1993 and designed by Wojciech Jarząbek, the structure has become one of the most notable examples of Polish postmodernist architecture, reflecting the country’s seismic transformation following the fall of the Iron Curtain. The building broke away from the grey, uniform aesthetics of its built surroundings with its exuberant façade in violet, pink, and green and unique geometric form. While polarizing due to its unique design, Solpol stood out with its modernity compared to other commercial facilities of its type in Wrocław, attracting both locals and tourists. 

However, at the turn of the century, the importance of the department store decreased as people flocked to newer, larger facilities in the city. Private tenants began to leave the building, and the retail space gradually reduced. In recent years, only the ground floor of the building has been utilized, with the remaining spaces left vacant. The lack of activity and prospects for Solpol’s use, along with the inconvenience of maintaining a practically unused building prompted plans for its demolition. Over the course of several years, this possibility had been considered, with severe criticism from local architects and historians who defended Solpol, noting its architectural significance. 

In 2015, the Society for Beautifying the City of Wrocław (TUMW) and Fundacja Transformator filed a motion to the Lower Silesian Monument Conservation Office to include Solpol on the list of protected monuments. This move failed, with provincial conservator of monuments, Barbara Nowak-Obelinda, rejecting the building’s inclusion citing, “in the light of the regulations in force, it has no artistic, scientific and historical value." Had Solpol been added into the register of monuments, it would have been the youngest monument in Poland by a 20-year margin. 

After more attempts to place the building under conservation protection, on July 30, 2021, the city of  Wrocław finally issued a demolition permit on Solpol. The decision was at the request of Polsat Nieruchomości, a company owned by billionaire Zygmunt Solorz-Żak, who owns the property. This move was made despite existing, unresolved complaints and judicial proceedings regarding Solpol’s preservation. 

In the days following the decision, a series of festive protests have occurred to raise awareness and are being planned through a Facebook group titled “Solpol Stays”. To start, an event called “Solpol Party” saw demonstrators dress in the building’s 90s-era color scheme and dance to music of that time. This was followed by a picnic and even a fashion show titled “Get the Solpol Look”. More events have been planned. It remains to be seen when Solpol will actually be demolished or if it will happen at all.