Central Department Store (Warsaw)

The Central Department Store, known as Cedet, is a striking modernist building in Warsaw, Poland, originally constructed between 1948 and 1952. Designed by architects Zbigniew Ihnatowicz and Jerzy Romański, it was notable for its departure from the socialist realist architecture of the time. The building features a unique design with three blocks, including a food hall and office space, and was famous for its high-modernist windows made of Polish oak. A major fire in 1975 led to significant damage, but the main structure survived. After various transformations, including a controversial reconstruction between 2014 and 2018, plans are underway to restore the building to its original glory, complete with its iconic neon signage. This site not only represents a piece of Warsaw's architectural history but also reflects the city's resilience and evolving identity.