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 style of the era, sparking controversy upon completion. 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, resulting in a reconstruction that altered its original appearance. Currently, the building is undergoing plans for renovation to restore its historical features and reopen as a full-service department store, aiming to recapture its iconic status in Warsaw's architectural landscape.