Mini-Europe, the park where European cultural and historical heritage comes to life, today inaugurated two new Polish miniature monuments during an official ceremony. Guests were welcomed by Vinciane Meeùs, Managing Director of Mini-Europe.
This inauguration ceremony, enhanced with a Chopin musical interlude, was attended by various dignitaries: Philippe Close, Mayor of Brussels; Maciej Fijałkowski, Secretary of the City of Warsaw; Małgorzata Wilk-Grzywna, Vice-President of the Polish Tourism Board; and Dr. Marianna Otmianowska, Director of the Royal Łazienki Museum. Visitors can now admire the Palace on the Island and the Fryderyk Chopin Monument, both located in the Royal Łazienki Park in Warsaw, giving Poland stronger representation in the park. „This initiative fits perfectly with the original vision of Mini-Europe,” emphasized Thierry Meeùs, founder of the park.
A more prominent place for Poland
By adding these two models, Poland gains a more important role within the park, giving visitors a more complete picture of its rich cultural heritage. The monuments have been placed in a carefully designed setting that mimics the atmosphere of the Royal Łazienki Park, with special animations to enrich the visitor experience.
Vinciane Meeùs, Managing Director of Mini-Europe: „A visit to Mini-Europe means enjoying beautiful monuments, brilliantly animated settings, and a unique introduction to European history and values. With these new Polish monuments, we are writing a new chapter in the history of Mini-Europe.”
Cultural Heritage Reflecting European History
Mini-Europe now displays four Polish monuments representing different periods of European history:
- The Palace on the Island (Łazienki Palace) (inaugurated in 2025): This baroque building, transformed into a bathhouse by King Poniatowski, showcases the elegance and grandeur of classic Polish heritage. The King at that time governed the common market of Lithuania and Poland and tried to introduce the reforms of the Enlightenment in Poland.
- The Chopin Monument (inaugurated in 2025): A tribute to the most famous Polish composer, whose music, inspired by homesickness for his homeland, revolutionized classical music worldwide. A musical installation plays Chopin’s compositions and recalls the famous open-air concerts that have been held in the park for more than 65 years.
The new monuments complement the existing Polish attractions:
- The Artus Court in Gdansk (inaugurated in 2004): This neo-Gothic building symbolizes European trade relations of the time and welcomed merchants from all over Europe, especially from the Northern Hanseatic League. Built by a Dutchman, it is adorned with Roman symbols and the effigy of Sigismund III, Grand Duke of Lithuania, King of Poland, and King of Sweden.
- The Monument of the Three Crosses in Gdansk (inaugurated in 2004): This monument honors the victims of the shipyards during the trade union struggle and symbolizes the Solidarity movement resisting against Soviet authority.
Celebration of Polish Culture
To celebrate the richness of Polish culture, Mini-Europe is organizing a Polish Weekend on April 26 and 27, 2025. Visitors will be able to taste Polish culinary specialties, enjoy cultural and folkloric performances, participate in family activities, and discover Polish craftsmanship.
A unique collaboration
The expansion of the Polish presence in Mini-Europe is a joint initiative of the Polish Embassy in Belgium, the Polish Tourism Board, and Mini-Europe, with the support of the City of Warsaw, the Mazovia Voivodeship, the Royal Łazienki Museum, and LOT Polish Airlines.
This project takes on special significance as Poland assumes the presidency of the Council of the European Union, reaffirming its commitment to the shared history and culture of Europe.
Craftsmanship down to the details
The project began in 2022 and was precision custom work. It included the selection of monuments and administrative preparations, meticulous craftsmanship to reproduce the details of these monuments at 1/25 scale based on plans, photos, and drone footage, hand-painted finishes, and bringing the whole to life with figurines and animations in a natural environment.
Mini-Europe invites visitors to come (re)discover these two monuments in a manner that is unique.
