This is an observation on culture in the Warsaw of today which might well have analogies across our shrinking world.

Warsaw's tallest building is the Stalinist (1955) Palace of Culture and Science [Pałac Kultury i Nauki]. Some people recoil from the Socialist Realist style but I like it enormously and can see many of its purported influences. The Empire State Building is quoted as one. Whatever Stalin's original intent, American cultural influence is now a definite neighbour of his 'gift' to the Polish people (completed after his death). Poland's first Hard Rock Cafe is in the adjacent Złote Tarasy complex and their trademark guitar stands on a Pepsi plinth bearing a slogan which translates as 'The taste of summer is the taste'.

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Tags:   Culture Kultura Palace of Culture and Science Pałac Kultury i Nauki Warsaw Poland Warszawa Polska 200_2_P1060579

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The Złote Tarasy shopping complex, ul. Złota 59, Warsaw, is dominated by a large dome which filters sunlight and has a system for clearing snow.

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Tags:   Złote Tarasy Warsaw Poland Warszawa Polska 200_2_P1060573

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The Złote Tarasy shopping complex, ul. Złota 59, Warsaw, is dominated by a large dome which filters sunlight and has a system for clearing snow.

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Tags:   Złote Tarasy Warsaw Poland Warszawa Polska 200_2_P1060567

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The Złote Tarasy shopping complex, ul. Złota 59, Warsaw, is dominated by a large dome which filters sunlight and has a system for clearing snow.

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Tags:   Złote Tarasy Mono B&W Warsaw Poland Warszawa Polska 200_2_P1060567M1

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A Jaguar XE on display outside The Lobby Bar of the Warsaw Marriott.

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