Empik, the popular Polish retail chain, is set to open a new flagship store in Warsaw’s iconic Cepelia Pavilion, currently undergoing a significant renovation. The three-story Empik store will cover 1,300 sq m and is designed to be more than just a retail space—it will also feature a multimedia exhibition, a small reading room, and an event space for artists, embracing a cultural role in the heart of the city.
Built in the 1960s, the modernist Cepelia Pavilion, designed by Zygmunt Stępiński, is part of Warsaw’s “Eastern Wall” initiative and is known for its unique architectural design. Its light steel frame and glass facades give the impression that the first floor is floating. The building’s revitalization is being conducted in collaboration with the Masovian Provincial Conservator of Monuments, ensuring that its unique elements are preserved, while also preparing it for its new role.
In 2019, there were plans to transform the pavilion into a McDonald’s restaurant, but this proposal was met with resistance from Professor Jakub Lewicki, the Masovian conservator, due to the extensive overhaul it would require. These plans were shelved, leading to the current project, which respects the building’s history while giving it new life.
The renovation plan, crafted by AMC studio and Bernatek Architekci, will restore the modernist lightness of the building, bringing back its distinctive glass walls, vegetation, and free-standing display cases. The structure and roof will be renovated, with the historical lighting, façade cladding, lamella windows, and decorative elements, including the blue ceramic cladding by Stanisław Kucharski, being reproduced with care.
The new Empik store is set to open by late 2024 or early 2025 and is intended to be a showcase for the brand. Ewa Szmidt, president of the Empik Group, noted that the store will feature three floors of cultural exploration, everyday shopping inspiration, and a unique place for meetings with artists—all in a modern, friendly setting with views of the city center. In addition to its retail offerings, the store will also host author readings and events, embodying Empik’s commitment to fostering cultural connections.
