A 2‑meter square mirrored glass installation on Kielce’s Cathedral Square, costing 86,800 zł, sparked political debate after it was opened Saturday.
Installation Details
“Niebo Kielc,” a 2 m × 2 m glass panel filled with tinted glass, was installed on the sidewalk of the Main Square (Plaza Najświętszej Marii Panny) in front of the Cathedral Basilica in Kielce.
The reflective surface, capturing movements of clouds, sun and birds, creates a dynamic image of “the sky in footsteps.” Its proximity to the cathedral gives it symbolic significance, linking sky and earth.
Funding and Budget
The project cost 86,800 zł, of which 77,800 zł came from the Polish Sculpture Center in Orońsk (funded by the Ministry of Culture) and the remaining 9,000 zł was contributed by the city.
The installation received criticism from some politicians and local officials.
Political Reaction
Marcin Stępniewski, head of the PiS club in the Kielce city council, said on social media that “taxpayer money must be spent wisely, not squandered on useless ideas.”
Artist’s Defence
Marek Cecuła said the funds were strictly for public sculpture and could not be used elsewhere. He explained that the mirror was fabricated from special glass and encased in a stainless‑steel frame that was hermetically sealed, with the installation impregnated with special resins.
The artist added that many professionals, including glass manufacturers, steel framing companies, a stone‑cutting firm, and an architect, had to be involved to prepare, install and level the glass on the sidewalk.
