On August 26, 2005, the Gdańsk Shipyard, a symbol of resistance and the birthplace of the Solidarity movement, hosted a significant celebration. French electronic music pioneer Jean Michel Jarre performed the “Space of Freedom” concert to mark the 25th anniversary of Solidarity’s founding. Attended by over 170,000 people, the event was a powerful tribute to the movement that played a crucial role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
Invited by former Polish President and Solidarity leader Lech Wałęsa, Jarre delivered a multimedia spectacle that blended music, history, and technology. The concert featured not only his iconic tracks but also new compositions, including the “Gdańsk Suite,” which honored the fight for freedom by incorporating elements of “Mury,” an unofficial anthem of Solidarity during the 1980s.
The Gdańsk Shipyard itself became an integral part of the performance. The event included performances by the University of Gdańsk Choir and the Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra, with the shipyard’s machinery adding to the visual experience. A crane lifted a metal plate to serve as an additional screen, and Jarre made a dramatic entrance on a transport platform, marking the beginning of the show.
“Space of Freedom” was more than a concert; it was a symbol of the enduring spirit of freedom and resistance that Solidarity represents. The event, viewed by thousands from within the shipyard and nearby locations, reaffirmed the shipyard’s historic role as a beacon of hope and liberty.