The Strzelec House in Grodno is one of the most interesting examples of avant-garde modernism in Polish architecture of the interwar period.

Military construction in interwar Poland
The army played a major role in the social life of the Second Polish Republic. The cult of Marshal Józef Piłsudski and his Legions meant that Polish soldiers enjoyed great respect and esteem within society, whilst the authorities spared no expense on military investment, viewing it as a guarantee of the stability and power of the reborn nation. During the interwar period, therefore, numerous barracks complexes, military hospitals and sanatoriums, garrison churches, officers’ holiday homes, soldiers’ homes and officers’ clubs, as well as headquarters for paramilitary organisations, of which there was no shortage in Poland at the time. Due to their status and symbolic significance, these buildings often boasted a high standard of architectural design.

The Strzelec House in Grodno – construction
One of the most interesting examples of avant-garde modernism from the 1930s is the Strzelec House at 30 Orzeszkowa Street in Grodno (the street name has remained unchanged to this day), which was built for the local branch of the Riflemen’s Association, an organisation that brought together young men of pre-conscription age and was associated with Marshal Józef Piłsudski’s camp. The organisation was closely linked to the military, was subordinate to the Ministry of Military Affairs, and its territorial structure corresponded to the military-administrative division of the state. One of the Union’s districts was therefore established in Grodno, which was the headquarters of the Command of Corps District No. III.

The idea of constructing the building emerged in early 1934. A building committee was soon formed, and in May the state authorities allocated a plot of land to the committee for the construction. However, the initiative met with opposition from the city council due to the significant cost, estimated at around 130,000 zlotys. The city was to contribute to the costs by taking out a loan of 33,000 zlotys for the construction. Some councillors vetoed the proposal, stating that it placed too great a burden on the town and that the funds would be better spent on tackling unemployment. Ultimately, the majority of councillors supported the idea of building the facility, deeming the initiative important for patriotic and training reasons.

General Edward Rydz-Śmigły, patron of the Riflemen’s House in Grodno
In early August 1935, a ceremonial blessing of the building under construction took place, performed by the chancellor of the field bishop’s curia, Rev. Col. Jan Mauersberger; a foundation stone was also laid, and the project was named after General Edward Rydz-Śmigły.

The proceedings of the ceremony were reported in detail in the weekly magazine *Strzelec*. The patron himself took part in the event and delivered a rousing speech, saying, amongst other things: “The building erected here is the result of a great effort by the community, which channels the modest endeavours of its people into the great flywheel of history. Only when one channels one’s own strength into the flywheel of history is human life worth living. In handing over this building to the authorities of the Strzelec district, I express my hope that it will become a forge of young characters and that it will bring together all those who wish to devote both their healthy bodies and their strong spirits to the service of the State.”

The Strzelec House on the Neman – architecture
Due to the high quality of its design, the Strzelec House in Grodno is protected by law, and a plaque on the building states that the architect was Mieczysław Szczuka. This would be a remarkable phenomenon, as this artist’s works are not well known, yet he was one of the most important figures in Polish avant-garde circles – fascinated by Soviet Constructivism, he advocated extreme utilitarianism and understood art as productive labour. He was one of the initiators of the First International Exhibition of Modern Architecture in Warsaw (1926), and a year later took part in the Exhibition of Modern Architecture in Moscow. He died tragically in the Tatra Mountains whilst attempting to climb Zamarła Turnia.

In reality, however, Szczuka had nothing to do with the design of the Grodno Strzelec House – the design was created by the local architect Stanisław Grochowski. This does not, however, alter the fact that we are dealing here with an outstanding example of avant-garde architecture. It is an abstract composition of cubic forms of varying sizes, resulting from a quest for aesthetic effect through a purely visual interplay of shapes and their mutual relationships. The building’s remarkably dynamic form is created by interlocking, white-plastered cuboids of varying heights and proportions, centred around a dominant feature – a tall, semi-circular tower housing the staircase. The metal balustrades of the balconies and terraces, clearly evoking naval forms, complemented the functionalist whole.

It is also worth quoting the words of the chairman of the building committee, Colonel Maksymilian Milan-Kamski: “The building [...] through its external form and internal layout, epitomises Polish culture and Polish labour here in the Eastern Borderlands, and stands as a living antithesis to what the occupying powers left us as a legacy. It will be more than just a decoration for the town. Above all, it will be a forge of great civic and military endeavour, and from here the idea of the Reviver and First Commander of Independent Poland will radiate. This House will serve as the centre for the Strzelecki Association’s regional courses, both for instructors in military training and for civic education in social work, which, within the territory of the Third District of the Strzelecki Association, is so conspicuous in many respects. In time, this House will bring together other organisations closely aligned with the spirit of the Rifle Association, and that is why we count on continued steadfast support for the completion of its construction.”

The Riflemen’s House – today
The project was completed in 1936. It housed not only premises for the Rifle Association, but also for the Legionnaires’ Association, the Polish Military Organisation, the Air and Gas Defence League and other organisations. Beneath the building, Grodno’s only air-raid and gas shelter, capable of accommodating 500 people, was also constructed.

After the Soviet army occupied the city, the Polish Riflemen’s House became an officers’ mess for the Red Army. In the mid-1960s, an 800-seat auditorium was added, and the building now houses an entertainment venue.