Etgar Keret is an Israeli writer who is very popular in Poland. I too am a fan. He is known best for his short stories which are amazing and absurd. It's hard to write about them, it's best just to read them, but... hey... why am I writing about him on Spotted by Locals?
I should start from the beginning. Jakub Szczęsny, a young architect, took a look at Warsaw and saw a city broken and later put together out of pieces that didn't necessarily go together. Remnants of pre-war neighborhoods, brand new skyscrapers, social realist apartment blocks and in between bits and pieces of empty spaces and mysterious places left over from decades of recreating Warsaw over and over and over again. And so he decided to fill a 152 centimeter hole in the city. In between the buildings on Chłodna 22 and Żelazna 74 the world's skinniest house was created. At its skinniest point it is a mere 92 centimeters wide. Hard to believe... and also easy to miss if you don't know to look for it!
Keret has spent time in the house and will stay there during his frequent visits to Warsaw and invite guests to join him. When he is away however, the house serves as a creative studio for artists.
It's fitting: a house as amazing and absurd as the writer it was created for.
Keep a look out for Open House days on the website and see the house for yourself!
Find your way with 164 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Sculpture Park in Bródno" was built in 2009 and the idea is based on many types of art, i.e. social, participatory, but also minimalist.
by
"Flora Caffe" in Łazienki Park in Warsaw is a great cafe to head to if it's raining or windy in the park. It's perfect for a beer or a coffee in the garden
by
"Czerwony Rower" in Warsaw is restaurant that provides good food while helping those in need. Many of my Pragian friends love it and it's my new favourite!
by
"Hydrozagadka" is the best place to listen to live alternative music in Warsaw nowadays, and the hottest place in Praga in summertime! I would know...
by
"Muzeum Domków dla Lalek" is one of two dollhouse museums in Europe. The Warsaw one opened recently and has over 100 exhibits! I just love the entrance...
by
"Pastrami" in Warsaw is my new discovery, in the neighborhood of Powisle. Amazing eggs, original breakfast - and everything surprisingly affordable!
by
"Matylda Zielińska Bizu" in Warsaw is a handcrafter jewelry maker. One thing's for sure: you will find great gifts for yourself and loved ones here...
by
"Bar Wieczorny" Warsaw is a meeting place/bar for many neighbors for their "last one" before bed. Check out the "surprise me" drink, and so they will...
by
Big Book Cafe, run by the people behind one of the youngest and most innovative literary festivals under the name Big Book Festival, was opened in the Summer of 2017.
by
"Wydawnictwo Tajfuny" in Warsaw is a small publishing house that aims to bring Japanese & Asian culture to the Polish market. You can stay all day here!
by
"Proces Kawki" in Warsaw is one of my favorite coffee places in Praga, both for its offering and relaxed atmosphere, esp. the large garden and sunbeds!
by
164 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 164 Insider Tips