Mercure Kraków Fabryczna City is celebrating its 5th anniversary by telling the story of the place where it was created. To mark the occasion, the hotel, in cooperation with the Vodka Factory Museum, is preparing an exhibition entitled “Historic Fabryczna”. The exhibition will explore the industrial roots of Fabryczna 13 – from the establishment of State Vodka Factory No. 11 in 1928, through the operations of the “Polmos” Distillery, to the revitalisation of the site and the development of today’s Fabryczna City complex.
A historic site with a new purpose
Mercure Kraków Fabryczna City is part of the mixed-use Fabryczna City complex, developed on the former industrial site of State Vodka Factory No. 11 and the later “Polmos” Distillery. Of particular significance is the historic Fabryczna 13 – a preserved and revitalised part of the former factory, which today is home to, among other facilities, Mercure Kraków Fabryczna City and the Vodka Factory Museum.
Construction of the factory began in 1928, with the main part completed in 1931. For subsequent decades, the site remained associated with alcohol production. It initially operated as State Vodka Factory No. 11 and later as the “Polmos” Distillery. Production at Fabryczna Street continued until 2010.
Following the end of industrial operations, the site was designated for revitalisation. Rather than completely erasing its former character, part of the historic buildings was preserved and integrated with contemporary architecture and new functions.
The investment that included the development of the hotel began in 2018, and Mercure Kraków Fabryczna City opened its doors in October 2021.
An exhibition bringing Fabryczna’s history back to life
“Historic Fabryczna” will tell the story of the successive transformations of the site – from the pre-war factory, through the years of Polmos operations, to today’s Fabryczna City. The exhibition will present not only the history of the factory, but also the changing character of the site and the way in which its industrial heritage has been incorporated into the life of the modern city.
The Vodka Factory Museum, located in one of the preserved buildings of the former factory, is involved in preparing the exhibition. The museum’s collection comprises more than 3,000 exhibits, as well as the original production line featuring machinery previously used at the factory. Its displays explore both the history of distillation and alcohol production and the story of the factory itself and the people connected with it.
Anniversary and local heritage
The exhibition is part of the celebrations marking the 5th anniversary of Mercure Kraków Fabryczna City, but its significance extends beyond the hotel’s anniversary. The project reflects the “Local Shared with Care” philosophy: Mercure’s commitment to sharing authentic local experiences while supporting local communities, preserving cultural heritage and sourcing resources responsibly.
“The ‘Historic Fabryczna’ exhibition, which we are preparing together with the Vodka Factory Museum, means much more to us than simply being part of the hotel’s 5th anniversary celebrations. Above all, it is a way of preserving the memory of this site’s industrial roots and bringing them closer to our guests and everyone visiting Fabryczna City. We want to show that revitalisation does not have to mean breaking with the past. On the contrary, it can be a way of preserving history and giving it new meaning within a modern space.”
Joanna Chwastek-Pluta, General Manager, Mercure Kraków Fabryczna City
The opening of the “Historic Fabryczna” exhibition is planned for October 2026, as part of the celebrations marking the hotel’s 5th anniversary.