A FOREST IN THE CITY CENTRE. 

The “LeŚnia” Project in Gdańsk

At the turn of June and July, for 9 days, the Nadbałtyckie Centrum Kultury (Baltic Cultural Centre) in Gdańsk transforms the interior of St. John’s Church—damaged during World War II—into a green oasis: a communal space of rest and reflection, where one can lose themselves—sit down, lie back, take a walk, or meet others. It’s a place to awaken all the senses to a variety of spontaneous, nature-inspired experiences.

Drawing inspiration from the atmosphere of a Kashubian forest, the landscape designer has given the historic space a floral makeover. The interior of the Gothic building is now filled with the lush greenery of living plants.

Just like a walk through the forest, LeŚnia offers a range of sensory experiences. It gently pulses with a sound collage of forest fauna and flora, atmospheric phenomena, babbling brooks, rivers, and woodland meadows. It also stimulates visitors’ sense of smell with a specially composed fragrance symphony inspired by the history of the Gothic monument—dominated by mineral and woody-smoky notes.

The installation has garnered great interest from both Gdańsk residents and tourists.