Warsaw’s most famous artistic installation, the palm tree at the Charles de Gaulle roundabout, is set to receive a comprehensive renovation after 22 years of gracing the cityscape. The announcement came from Warsaw’s Bureau of Culture, revealing that the palm will be included in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MSN) as a donation from its creator, Joanna Rajkowska.
The installation, known as “Greetings from Aleje Jerozolimskie,” has become a prominent feature of Warsaw, blending the natural with the urban in a symbol of both continuity and change. The renovation is scheduled for this fall, coinciding with the opening of MSN’s new headquarters.
Funding for the renovation comes from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, through the “Sculpture in Public Spaces for Independent Poland – 2024” program managed by the Centre of Polish Sculpture in Orońsko. The project will involve the replacement of leaves and bark and the conservation of the steel structure.
The renovation process will not only restore the sculpture but also feature public events that expand the context of the ongoing work. Planned activities include a meeting with Rajkowska at her solo exhibition “Ślepowrony” at the local_30 gallery and a gathering of those involved in the project’s 24-year history, including Warsaw residents, at the MSN’s new auditorium.
The grand opening of the MSN’s new venue at Parade Square is set for October 25. The event will kick off a three-week program open to the public, showcasing the museum’s future initiatives and reinforcing its role in Warsaw’s cultural scene.
This renovation marks a significant moment in the life of a piece that has become as much a part of Warsaw’s identity as its most historic landmarks, bridging the past with a renewed vision for the future.