Piotr Skrzynecki (1930–1997)

Founder, head, and compère of the Piwnica pod Baranami (Vaults Under the Rams), cabaret actor and producer of artistic events, honorary citizen of Kraków. His charisma attracted the most eminent persons of the world of culture. Even in his lifetime, he became a legend of Polish cultural and social life, the personification of the tradition of Kraków artistic bohemian society of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Thanks to Skrzynecki, Piwnica pod Baranami became one of the symbols and hallmarks of Kraków. Throughout most of his life, Skrzynecki did not care for material goods, and lived longest at the Brother Albert Refuge in Kraków. He was buried in Rakowicki Cemetery in the section for distinguished persons. His monument stands, or rather sits, in the Main Market Square, by the window of the Vis-à-Vis cafe.