Poland’s Totalizator Sportowy marks its 70th anniversary with a mural unveiling and nationwide poster contest, highlighting its cultural contributions.
Government and Cultural Leaders Celebrate Anniversary
Ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of Totalizator Sportowy brought together representatives from cultural institutions, public administration, creative communities, and industry organizations. The event opened with a letter from Marta Cienkowska, Minister of Culture and National Heritage, emphasizing the long-term collaboration between public institutions and entities like Totalizator Sportowy that have systematically supported culture for decades.
Beata Stelmach, President of Totalizator Sportowy, stated in her speech that the jubilee is not an end to a certain chapter but a continuation of the path taken seven decades ago. The company aims to build community and initiate dialogue, actively participating in the creation of civil society through culture and art, supported by funds allocated to the Culture Promotion Fund.
Mural Showcases Artistic Heritage
During the ceremony, a model of a mural designed by Tytus Brzozowski was presented. The complete artwork can be seen on two walls of a building at Zamoyskiego 37 in Warsaw’s Praga Północ district. The mural covers 604 square meters and represents one of the artist’s largest public space works.
During a conversation with the public, Tytus Brzozowski spoke about the creative process and the idea behind the project. He explained his desire to create a work that would be understandable to residents and rooted in the local context.
Technical Innovation in Mural Creation
The mural’s implementation was technically challenging, with 21 people working on the project in January 2026 under difficult winter conditions. The project used Airlite technology, an anti-smog coating activated by light, containing titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Organizers emphasized that the mural’s ability to neutralize air pollutants is comparable to about 600 trees.
Poster Contest Winners Announced
The second part of the event featured an award ceremony for the nationwide jubilee poster contest organized by Totalizator Sportowy and the Association of User Graphic Creators, under the honorary patronage of the Minister of Culture. The competition attracted great interest, receiving 1,687 entries from graphic designers across Poland.
The jury appreciated both minimalist, form-sparing projects and more complex compositions using metaphor, humor, and symbolism related to luck, chance, and sport. First prize (20,000 złoty) went to Grzegorz Myćka, second prize (12,000 złoty) to Jakub Kamiński, and third prize (7,000 złoty) to Przemysław Hajek. Six distinctions were awarded to Alicja Wolanin, Bartosz Mikołajczyk, Maciej Lewandowski, Magdalena Marchwicka, Nikodem Pręgowski, and Aleksandra Sowińska. Magdalena Marchwicka won the audience award in an online vote.
Historical Background of Totalizator Sportowy
Totalizator Sportowy’s history dates back to 1955, when the institution was established to rebuild sports infrastructure destroyed during World War II. Over time, the company’s activities expanded to include culture and social initiatives. In the 1950s, it collaborated with prominent Polish graphic designers, with Konstanty Maria Sopoćko creating the first poster in 1956. The jubilee initiatives connect with these traditions.
