Although St. John's Church in Gdansk is famous for hosting a variety of artistic events: concerts, exhibitions, performances - there has never been such a space before. As part of the "LeŚnia" installation, the interior of the church was decorated with plants, trees and shrubs.
The interior of the Gothic church has turned into a green oasis. There are live plants, trees, shrubs, 170 sqm of lawn and juicy colors of nature. In such an arranged space you can sit, lie down, catch a moment of respite. All thanks to the sensory-affecting installation "LeŚnia", which can be viewed from June 27 to July 5 in the St. John's Center of the Baltic Sea Cultural Center, located in the Main Town in Gdansk. The aim of the project is to create a space for reflection and tranquility, in harmony with the history of the place.
St. John's Center in Gdansk
Daria Szczygieł/ NCK
The principle is simple: as organizers, we don't impose anything, we don't expect anything from you and we don't force you into any formats. Instead, we propose to expose all your senses to various, inherently spontaneous, sensations. Walking through our grove, you will experience subtle and sensual interventions," the organizers encourage.
There are so many people eager to visit the micro-forest that the organizers have introduced entry limits. Over the weekend, the queue to enter reached the Motlawa River.
The installation will be open until July 5, 2025
Daria Szczygieł/NCK
refkelsia and howling
LeŚnia is a project open to everyone, regardless of their worldview. We respect diversity and sensitivity, including religious feelings," said the Baltic Sea Cultural Center in Gdansk.
Marcin Dymiter is responsible for the sound, the scent: Vetiver Bogdan Wojcik, light: Maciej Knigawka, and performance by Kasia Ustowska-Gmerek, Antoni Michnik, Katarzyna Podpora and Neoquartet. The greenery was designed by Remigiusz Dorawa, inspired by the atmosphere of a Kashubian forest.
The year 2025 marks 30 years since the Baltic Sea Cultural Center in Gdansk took custody of the St. John's Church, which was destroyed after the war.
Daria Szczygieł/ NCK
Using textiles, often familiar from domestic spaces, I created 'ROSEta' - a site-specific installation inspired by the ancient symbol of a stylized flower," says Gosia Golinska, author of ROSEta. - By cutting and sewing fabric, the resulting objects, in the Gothic interior of the St. John's Center, become a 'flower of life.' It is a form that is meant not only to decorate, but above all to strengthen and protect, opening us to a new dreamlike story of symbols and nature. It is an invitation to rediscover the power of ancient signs in a surprising context.
The le¦nia coincides with the 30th anniversary of the St. John's Church being taken under the care of the Baltic Sea Cultural Center, which played a key role in the adaptation, conservation and restoration of the church. Since its inception, the St. John's Center has hosted concerts, shows, performances, exhibitions and other artistic events. The main idea behind the cultural activities conducted here is to create a place open to a variety of artistic projects and undertakings.
LeŚnia is a place of tranquility and relaxation
Daria Szczygieł/NCK
