Stary Browar Shopping and Art Centre is an imaginative complex set in a converted 19th-century brewery. Attracting more than 40,000 visitors each day, the center features more than 200 shops, almost 30 restaurants and cafés, a theater, a concert hall, exhibition rooms, a cinema, a hotel and a park. Even if you’re not interested in shopping, this unusual complex is worth investigating.
Constructed in 1844, the building was originally home to the Huggerów Brewery, which continued to produce beer on the site until 1980. Note how the building’s current form incorporates aspects of the old brewery. This award-winning design uses brick, glass, industrial steel and other materials to create a unique blend of historic and modern architecture.
The center covers an area of 25 acres (100,000 square meters), which is divided roughly equally between retail and art space. As you explore this massive center, look for hidden mementos referencing the building’s former life as a brewery. Try to spot ceramic seals, old plaques and other interesting interior design features.
The commercial section of the center, called Stary Browar Sklepy (Old Brewery Shopping Precinct), extends across two buildings. Browse the shops, which include the VAN GRAAF designer store, Alma gourmet delicatessen, other high-end brands and several bookshops.
Head to Dziedziniec Sztuki (the Art Courtyard) to see the complex’s cultural center. This area hosts various artistic events throughout the year, ranging from experimental film screenings to modern art exhibitions.
Rest at the center’s park, where deck chairs are available for visitors to take a break. You might also be able to participate in free fitness classes that regularly take place here, including tai chi and yoga.
Stop for a snack or a meal in the complex’s huge dining section, where cuisine options range from traditional Polish fare to Chinese food. More than a dozen cafés are dotted around the rest of the complex as well.
The Stary Browar Shopping and Art Centre is located about a half-mile (750 meters) south of the Rynek (Old Market Square). The center is open daily. Arrange a guided tour in advance of your visit.