Mielec cultural center renovation sparks controversy over Henryk Burzec mosaic

Controversy has emerged regarding the renovation of the Samorządowe Centrum Kultury (SCK) in Mielec, specifically concerning a relief mosaic by sculptor Henryk Burzec. The Ogólnopolskie Stowarzyszenie Ochrony Architektury Powojennej and local activists have raised alarms that the current modernization project includes plans to cut a doorway directly through the artwork, which would cause irreversible damage to the composition.

In response to these concerns, the City of Mielec has stated that its intention is to preserve the mosaic in its entirety without altering its structure. Officials claim that technical and organizational solutions are being analyzed to allow the investment to proceed safely while protecting the piece. The city also noted that the renovation project had been previously consulted with relevant authorities.

However, activists and journalists, including Jacek Taran, have called for an immediate halt to works and a change in the architectural design rather than the destruction of the artwork. Efforts are underway to seek legal protection for the mosaic through the Podkarpacki Wojewódzki Konserwator Zabytków to ensure its inclusion in the register of monuments.