Photo 1
Admiralspalast Hotel in Zabrze: (a) interior of the building, (b) exterior façade. Design by Richard Bielenberg and Josef Moser. Author: Justyna Juroszek.
Source: Author’s contribution.
Photo 2
Christ the King Cathedral in Katowice. (a) Exterior façade. (b) Interior of the church. Design: Zygmunt Gawlik, Franciszek Mączyński, Author: Justyna Juroszek.
Source: Author’s contribution.
Photo 3
St. Casimir’s Church in Katowice. Interior of the church. Leon Dietz d’Arma. Author: Justyna Juroszek.
Source: Author’s contribution.
Photo 4
Provincial Office and Silesian Parliament in Katowice: (a) Vestibule, (b) Silesian Parliament Hall Design by Piotr Jurkiewicz, Kazimierz Wyczyński, Ludwik Wojtyczko and Stefan Żeleński. Author: Justyna Juroszek.
Source: Author’s contribution.
Photo 5
National Economy Bank in Katowice: (a and b) interior Design by Stanisław Tabeński. Author: Justyna Juroszek.
Source: Author’s contribution.
Table 1
Analysis of selected examples of art déco architecture in Upper Silesia
| Object | Location | Date of creation | Project authors | Function | Features of the art déco style | Cultural and social significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admiralspalast Hotel | Zabrze, Wolności Street | 1924–1928 | Richard Bielenberg, Josef Moser | Hotel, restaurant, entertainment venue | Geometric forms, symmetry, decorations (bas-reliefs, façade details), inspiration from the Chicago school | A symbol of luxury, modernisation and urban development; a testament to modern urban culture |
| Christ the King Cathedral | Katowice Plebiscytowa Street, | 1927–1955 | Zygmunt Gawlik, Franciszek Mączyński, set design: Mieczysław Król | Catholic church, cathedral | Geometric interior forms, stylised decorations, luxurious materials (travertine, mosaics), symmetry | A symbol of Silesia’s spiritual rebirth; combines religious tradition with modern aesthetic expression |
| St. Casimir’s Church | Katowice M. Skłodowskiej-Curie Street, | 1930–1933 | Leon Dietz d’Arma, Jan Zarzycki | Garrison church | Sparse decoration, intense colours, geometric patterns, rich art déco furnishings (altars, Stations of the Cross) | An example of art déco sacred architecture; emphasises the role of religion and modernity in the region’s identity |
| Provincial Office and Silesian Parliament | Katowice Jagiellońska Street, | 1925–1929 | Piotr Jurkiewicz, Kazimierz Wyczyński, Ludwik Wojtyczko, Stefan Żeleński | Seat of the provincial administration and parliament | Monumentalism, classicising form, architectural details (friezes, pilasters, rosettes), interiors with geometric decorations | A symbol of Silesia’s autonomy, prestige and modernity of the Second Polish Republic’s administration; an expression of regional identity |
| The National Economy Bank | Katowice, Mickiewicza Street | ca. 1928–1930 | Stanisław Tabeński, Jan Noworyta | Bank | Monumental structure, geometric divisions, portal decorations, luxurious interiors (marble, stained glass, coffered ceilings) | An icon of financial stability; an example of combining modernity with the prestige of public institutions |
Source: Author’s contribution.