A journey back in time at a historic Polish railway station. We will see it in cinemas
The “Dolls” film crew used a historic 19th-century railway station to recreate a scene from Bolesław Prus’s novel.
Until February, Warsaw residents and tourists can see a fragment of the set design for the upcoming film “Lalka” directed by Maciej Kawalski – Wokulski’s store on Krakowskie Przedmieście. Although you can’t go inside, it’s worth looking through the windows and seeing decorations and exhibits, such as old strollers and period costumes.
Railway station in Węgliniec. “The Doll” was filmed here
Last week, the filmmakers moved to the station in Węgliniec in Lower Silesia, which “played” the station in Skierniewice related to an episode from the novel – Stanisław Wokulski’s mental breakdown.
The historic 19th-century station in Węgliniec turned out to be an ideal setting for recreating the novelistic realities of the century thanks to restored facades, stained glass windows and columns. The whole was complemented by trunks, carriages and period lighting. Details were also taken care of, such as a bilingual timetable from the time of partition. A historic train ran onto the tracks.
The 19th century station after comprehensive renovation
The station in Węgliniec was built in 1846 and its shape resembles a defensive castle. It underwent renovation in 2022. The brick façade and restored architectural details made it a good backdrop for a 19th century film. The crew worked on the shoot day and night, and preparing the set took several days. Residents of the city and surrounding areas will also appear in the film as extras.
The station in Skierniewice is associated with “The Doll”, considered one of the best Polish novels. Passengers will see a bronze sculpture of Wokulski there. The station in Węgliniec was probably chosen by the filmmakers due to the lower traffic intensity.
“The Doll” is one of two productions currently in production based on the novel by Bolesław Prus. Maciej Kawalski’s film stars Marcin Dorociński as Stanisław Wokulski and Kamila Urzędowska as Izabela Łęcka. The cinema premiere is scheduled for the turn of 2026 and 2027.
