On the map of Warsaw, there are places that, despite their unique charm, remain underrated. One such corner is the green space of the Ateńska estate in Saska Kępa, where, among the trees and the shadows of tall buildings, an extraordinary collection of outdoor sculptures is hidden. It is an artistic enclave in the heart of the district, which surprises every passerby, blending art into the everyday life of the residents. This place perfectly fits into the creative atmosphere of Saska Kępa, known for its association with artists, intellectuals, and the legendary Agnieszka Osiecka.
An Outdoor Gallery – History and Artists
In the heart of the Ateńska estate, surrounded by blocks along Ateńska and Arabska Streets, lies an informal sculpture park – an open-air exhibition created at the end of the 1970s. The sculptures were made as part of the National Sculpture Open-Air Workshop in 1977 and are works by outstanding Polish artists connected to modern sculpture.
On the lawns between the trees, you can find works by artists such as:
Czesław Kozanowski – the author of the expressive Kariatida, depicting a female figure whose monumental nature and symbolism refer to ancient forms.
Barbara Falender – known for her sculptures with sensual and organic forms, in Ateńska, she placed her Płynąca, a dynamic and delicate composition at the same time.
Edward Łagowski, Jerzy Teper, Jacek Müldner-Nieckowski, Janusz Pastwa – their works represent a variety of approaches to abstract forms, juxtaposing natural materials with imagination and geometry.
The sculptures are primarily made of sandstone and marble, which allows them to blend seamlessly into the park landscape, not dominating it, but contributing to an atmosphere of mystery and contemplation.
Worth Knowing: Jerzy Teper and Chopin
One of the creators of the sculptures at the Ateńska estate is Jerzy Teper – an artist whose works can be found not only in the neighborhood spaces but also in prestigious cultural institutions. It is worth mentioning that Teper is the author of the bust of Fryderyk Chopin, which is part of the permanent exhibition at the Fryderyk Chopin Museum in Warsaw. If you’re interested in art and the history of the great composer, read our guide to the museum:
👉 Fryderyk Chopin Museum in Warsaw – A Journey Through the Footsteps of the Great Composer.
Art in Everyday Life – The Unique Character of the Space
What makes this place unique is its informality. The sculptures are not surrounded by fences or labeled with plaques. There are no crowds of tourists or guides. This is art accessible to everyone – children play nearby, older visitors stroll among the works, and residents pass by them every day on their way to the store or preschool. Such integration of art into daily life is a rarity in urban spaces.
Saska Kępa – The Artistic Soul of Warsaw
It’s impossible to talk about the sculptures on Ateńska without the context of Saska Kępa – a district with a unique atmosphere that has attracted creators, poets, and painters for decades. It was here that Agnieszka Osiecka lived and worked, and her figure symbolically connects with the local lifestyle – free-spirited, creative, and open to people and the world.
It’s worth visiting the nearby Francuska Street, bustling with cafés and boutiques, where you can still feel the spirit of the past. Among its landmarks is the Agnieszka Osiecka Bench, where you can sit beside the legendary poetess and listen to her texts, played through a discreet speaker.
A Stroll Along Lake Balaton and Beyond...
Not far from here, along Afrykańska Street, stretches Lake Balaton, a popular spot for walks with playgrounds and greenery. A walk from the Ateńska estate to Lake Balaton is a great option for a family afternoon – along the way, you can sit on a bench, have a picnic, or simply soak in the atmosphere of the peaceful, green part of Praga-Południe.
What Else is Worth Seeing in the Area?
If you’re planning a longer walk in this part of Warsaw, we also recommend:
Skaryszewski Park – one of the most beautiful parks in Warsaw, with picturesque paths, sculptures, and small lakes. It’s an ideal place for cycling, strolling, or relaxing with a book.
PROM Kultury Saska Kępa – a modern cultural center offering exhibitions, concerts, and literary meetings. This is also where events related to the legacy of Osiecka are held.
The Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Nobel Street – a historic church from the 1930s, an excellent example of sacred modernism in Warsaw.
Outdoor Art – An Underrated Gem of the District
Although the sculptures on the Ateńska estate are not widely promoted, they represent a unique blend of art and public space. It’s a living example of how culture can exist outside the walls of museums – closer to people and everyday life. For residents, it’s a daily sight, and for visitors – a surprising discovery.
We encourage you to plan a walk through the Ateńska estate when visiting Saska Kępa. It’s a place that shows how art can be close, accessible, and inspiring – even in the least obvious locations.
Forgotten Heritage and Local Legends
Although the sculptures on the Ateńska estate are now considered works of art in public space, some residents… know little about them. Over the years, the presence of these forms has become so familiar to the local community that they have become part of the everyday landscape – almost invisible. Interestingly, as one of the residents revealed to us, there’s a local anecdote that the sculptures were created by one artist “in exchange for an apartment.” While this story is not confirmed by any sources, it represents a fascinating example of a local myth that only highlights how deeply art can become embedded in the urban fabric and the imagination of the residents.