Keret’s house in Warsaw – the narrowest house in the world

The Keret’s House, located in the Wola district of Warsaw, is one of the most original architectural attractions in Poland. Known as the narrowest house in the world, it is a unique combination of functionality, art and historical symbolism. The building is so small that you can pass by and not notice it 🙂

Keret’s House – Architecture and location
Designed by Jakub Szczęsny, the Keret House was built in 2012. The building is located in a narrow gap between a pre-war tenement house at ul. Żelazna 74 and the post-war block at ul. Chłodna 22. It is only 92 cm wide at its narrowest point and 152 cm wide at its widest point. Contrary to appearances, it is a fully functional place to live, consisting of a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and work space.

The house does not meet the residential standards applicable in Poland, which makes it formally an art installation. It serves as a residence for artists from around the world and a space for cultural events.

History and meaning

The project was inspired by the work of Israeli writer Etgar Keret, who was the first resident of this extraordinary place. Moreover, the location of the house near the former border of the Warsaw Ghetto and its minimalist design have symbolic meaning. They remind us of the difficult fate of Keret’s family during World War II, and also reflect the specificity of his short but concise stories. The house is also an attempt to use empty space in the urban tissue of the city. It is a manifesto of the possibility of adapting small spaces in a creative way.

How to visit the Keret’s House?

The Keret House is not open to daily visitors, but it can be visited during special events or by prior arrangement with the Foundation of Polish Modern Art, which manages the facility. This place is particularly interesting for lovers of design, architecture and history.

Why is it worth it?
Keret’s house is much more than a unique building. It is a place full of symbolism that combines art with history, inspiring reflection on the past, space and creativity. A visit here is an opportunity to experience how architecture can become a carrier of stories and emotions.

If you are planning a walk around Warsaw’s Wola district, it is worth looking into this narrow gap – it is a place that literally and figuratively fills spatial and cultural voids.