Jan Kiepura
Under the dreamy eye of the Boy from Sosnowiec.
The monument depicting Jan Kiepura in his well-known theatrical pose is made of bronze, stands 290 cm tall, and weighs over 900 kg. It was unveiled on May 15, 2002, and is one of the symbols of the city. Every person who comes to Sosnowiec is greeted by our singer - a citizen of the world.
I want to sing so that every person understands me – both the one in the box and the one on the roof.
– Jan Kiepura
Jan Kiepura (1902–1966) – a world-famous Polish tenor and film actor. Born in Sosnowiec, he debuted in 1924 on the stage of the Warsaw Opera. He quickly gained international fame, performing at La Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, and the Vienna State Opera. He was also known for his film roles and promoting opera music – often singing in public places, bringing art closer to the general public. In 1936, he married the Hungarian singer Marta Eggerth, with whom he formed a well-known stage and film duo. After World War II, he settled in the USA, continuing his concert career. He died in 1966 in the state of New York, and his ashes were laid to rest in Warsaw