Rondo Tybetu

The Tibetan Gallery at the Tibet Roundabout in the Wola district of Warsaw is a fine example of what a little bit of colour can do to an otherwise dull urban area.

Started in 2009, following the Dalai Lama's visit to Warsaw, street art depicting the Tibetan struggle for autonomy from Beijing was painted here on the pillars of a flyover (the Chinese government didn't quite like the idea!).

The initiative coincided with Warsaw City Council's decision to award the Dalai Lama honorary citizenship of the city! Along with various pieces of art depicting the Tibetan struggle, there is a commemorative plaque dedicated to the heroes of the Tibetan national uprising of 1959.

I passed this place a couple of times when I took the bus, but never saw more than just a quick glimpse. It is not far from my work, so I went to have a proper look at it after work. 

A stunning place it is. More than a hundred works of street art in one place.

With many pillars still left to fill, it's likely this artistic oasis will continue to grow and inspire. Above all, the Tibetan Gallery is a reminder that we are responsible not only for what we do in our home country, but that we have the power to create a dialogue with the whole world.

Let that sink in. Good evening :)