MEMORIAL TO MARIE CURIE – SKŁODOWSKA
Introduction
On the occasion of the centenary of Marie Curie-Skłodowska’s birth, the original Císařská Avenue was symbolically renamed Marie Curie-Skłodowska Avenue. As part of these commemorative activities, a separate memorial dedicated to this prominent figure of world science was erected.
History
The memorial was ceremonially unveiled on 6 November 1967 in the presence of a representative of the Polish Embassy. The commemoration of Marie Curie-Skłodowska had not only cultural but also symbolic significance and reflected the international context of the period. The choice of this scientist was not accidental, as her name is inseparably linked with the study of radioactivity, which holds particular historical importance for the region. In later years, the avenue reverted to its original name and the memorial gradually disappeared from public space.
Description
The surviving photograph shows that this was not a sculptural monument but a simple stone memorial consisting of a vertical block set on a low stone base. The object stood at the edge of the path on slightly sloping ground. The surface appears smoothly worked and most likely carried an inscription or commemorative plaque, although the text cannot be read from the available image. The overall design corresponds to the restrained aesthetic typical of the late 1960s.
Disappearance
The author of the memorial and the exact date of its removal have not yet been documented. It is unknown whether the object was destroyed, relocated, or simply removed without further record. Today no visible trace remains on site. The only known evidence of its existence is a period photograph capturing the memorial in the former avenue.
