I noticed the phenomenal nature of ‘Bankowiec’. The entire building and all the flats were luxuriously furnished. Its unique architecture makes it part of Gdynia's modernist landscape, says Maria Piradoff-Link, the curator of the Mini Museum based in the building. This year, the famous Gdynia apartment house will celebrate its 90th birthday. To mark the occasion, numerous events and activities have been prepared, not only for the residents, but also for all lovers of modernism.
Modernist architecture is one of Gdynia's treasures. At the corner of 10 Lutego and 3 Maja Streets stands the unique BGK ‘Bankowiec’ Housing Complex. The construction of the first part took less than a year, and the first residents moved in, in 1936. The standard of finishing was very high – at the entrance and in the flats, so-called ‘corsets’ were laid, i.e. small tiles arranged in a geometric pattern. The size of the premises was equally impressive, as the flats ranged between 150 and 200 square metres. In addition, the furniture and all equipment were of the highest quality. The windows, commonly referred to as ‘thermometers’, are also worthy of particular attention. Their unique shape and size became the hallmark of ‘Bankowiec’.
I noticed the phenomenal nature of ‘Bankowiec’. The entire building and all the flats were luxuriously furnished. It is the only building in Gdynia that has ‘corsets’ at the entrance, i.e. a carpet made of small geometric tiles, which can be found in all flats. It is unique in our city," admits Maria Piradoff-Link, the curator of the Mini Museum operating in the apartment house.
Maria Piradoff-Link has created a unique museum devoted to the architecture and history of the ‘Bankowiec’ building. Here we can see old equipment and furnishings from the flats, and we can listen to intriguing stories collected by the curator.
I talk about the history of this building and the people who lived here and created this place. We walk through the courtyard, showing the shelter and the museum, and from time to time we present additional rooms, such as the mangle, ventilation equipment and the garage. These are unique rooms from 1935-1936. Currently, some of the flats are undergoing modernisation, but we are collecting the original finishing elements because we want to save them from oblivion," says Maria Piradoff-Link, the curator of the Mini Museum.
Due to its specific nature, in order to visit the Mini Museum, you must first book a guided tour combined with a lecture. You can register by contacting Maria Piradoff-Link by email: piradoff@wp.pl.
Gdynia's “Bankowiec” is only 10 years younger than Gdynia itself. Before the war, it was the largest building in the city, in terms of volume, and the first in Poland to have an underground car park. Its unique architecture has been attracting the attention of the enthusiasts of modernism for years. That is why, on the occasion of its 90th anniversary, a series of events has been prepared for the residents and enthusiasts of Gdynia's architecture.
The centenary of Gdynia is a big milestone. This place, created by Stanisław Ziołowski, has something, in the building itself, that makes us approach it with our hearts. We have been preparing for six months. A 30-minute film is being made about Stanisław Ziołowski as a designer, who also furnished the entire building and lived here. We have developed two games, one related to the centenary of Gdynia and the other directly related to ‘Bankowiec’. I am also thinking about workshops for children. The culminating event will be a gala in September, announces the curator.
Programme of events:
On 9 February (Monday) at 7 p.m., to mark the 17th anniversary of the Mini Museum, there will be an evening interview with Maria Piradoff-Link at the Cyganeria Café, on the creation of the Mini Museum and the history of the house. The meeting will be hosted by Iwona Pisarska. It will also be an opportunity to promote the book ‘Bankowiec znany i nieznany’ (Bankowiec: Known and Unknown).
10-13 February: guided tours of the Mini Museum, the building and the courtyard as part of the 100th anniversary of Gdynia and the 90th anniversary of Bankowiec.
Art competition for schoolchildren, ‘Bankowiec in the eyes of a child’, for various age categories. Works must be submitted by 29 February to the 'Przypływ' Gallery, at no. 27/31/30, 3 Maja Street. More information about the competition can be found on the Mini Museum website.
6–12 September: celebrations of the 90th anniversary of Bankowiec. On 6 September at 6 p.m., an official welcome ceremony for guests of honour, residents, their families and visitors is planned. A short concert, film screening and exhibition of works dedicated to this apartment house are also planned.
On 13 June, during the events related to Neighbour's Day, the results of the art competition will be announced, and prizes and small gifts will be awarded to the students. It will be an opportunity to see an exhibition of works by all the winners of the competition and posters and drawings of Bankowiec collected over the years. There will also be a city game about Bankowiec and Gdynia. A historical debate about Gdynia and Bankowiec is also planned. In addition, a regular event will be organised in the courtyard by the City Centre District Council. There will be entertainment, good food and live music.
More information about the anniversary events can be found on the Mini Muzeum Bankowiec website.