The Harpist in Planty: a small sculpture beside the garden paths

A reason to pause here

The harp gives this small park sculpture a detail to recognise straight away. We would step closer to read the inscription, then leave the path open around the planted bed.

Bojan and Bohdan Zaleski

Pius Weloński made the sculpture in 1886, with funding from Konstanty Wołodkowicz. It commemorates the Romantic poet Bohdan Zaleski through Bojan, a harpist from his writing. The nearby garden pond was created later, in 1904.

Find the instrument first

We would look for the harp, then come closer to the base to read the dedication. Our two photographs are enough to make this a recognisable stop on a longer park walk. The figures look different from the path as the angle changes.

Plan the visit

Follow Planty’s northern paths near the Basztowa side. Keep to the path around the planted setting and supervise children near any open water. The pond and fountain may not be operating in every season.

• Read the inscription to connect the figure with the poet.
• Continue towards the Barbican or the neighbouring royal monument.