The Palace of Culture and Science in the Polish capital turned 60 on Wednesday.

The controversial iconic building in the heart of the capital was topped out on 22 July 1955.

The building is the tallest in Poland and the eighth highest in the European Union. It is 231 metres high, including a 43-metre high spire.

Soviet leader Joseph Stalin wanted the gift “from the Soviet Union to the Polish people” to be based on the Moscow skyscrapers of the era.

The structure was built in three years according to the design of the Soviet architect Lev Rudnev. Architecturally it is a mix of Stalinist architecture, also known as Socialist Classicism, and Polish historicism inspired by American art deco skyscrapers.

Today the palace is the headquarters of companies and public institutions, for example cinemas, theatres, libraries, sports clubs, universities, scientific institutions and the authorities of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Various events will accompany the celebrations of the 60th anniversary. (jh)