At the heart of Kielce, Poland, stands a bus station like no other—a circular dome set in the middle of a roundabout, instantly recognizable for its spaceship-like shape.
Opened in 1984 and nicknamed “the UFO,” the Kielce Bus Station once symbolized cutting-edge infrastructure in the People’s Republic of Poland. But after decades of decline, privatization, and controversy, its fate took a dramatic turn when city officials intervened to preserve the building’s iconic form.
A Vision from the 1970s
Construction on the Kielce Bus Station began in 1975. It was designed by architect Edward Modrzejewski and took nearly a decade to complete. The station officially opened on 20 July 1984, just two days before the 40th anniversary of communist Poland.
It quickly became a regional hub, capable of handling up to 1,500 buses and 24,000 passengers daily. Built atop an 89-meter-wide roundabout, it featured 15 platforms and a separate night-time area with additional bays. Underground tunnels kept pedestrian and vehicle traffic completely separated, a safety innovation rarely seen at the time.
From Showcase to Decline
In its early years, the station was not only a functioning transit point but also a minor tourist attraction. Locals and visitors alike marveled at its modern layout and unusual architecture. But the 1990s brought rapid changes. Car ownership increased sharply in post-communist Poland, and interest in public transport declined.
The station’s operating company, PKS, was eventually privatized. Maintenance slowed, revenue dropped, and the building began to deteriorate. In the early 2010s, the station’s new owners made it clear they had no intention to renovate it—one even admitted they were waiting for it to collapse.
A City Steps In
Preservationists raised alarms, and the building was declared a monument by the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship’s monument curator. It was described as one of the most valuable architectural works of the 1970s and 1980s in Poland. In March 2016, the city of Kielce took decisive action, buying the station back.
Two years later, in September 2018, a full renovation was launched. The project aimed to preserve the station’s iconic flying saucer design while modernizing the interior and platforms.
Rebuilding the Future
The renovation was scheduled for completion in June 2020, with a total cost of 68.7 million PLN. Most of the funding came from the European Union, with 9 million PLN provided by the city.
The reconstruction kept the building’s circular shape intact, safeguarding its architectural significance while preparing it for continued service in the 21st century.
In the heart of Kielce, Poland, stands a bus station shaped like a UFO.
Opened in 1984, it was once a marvel of modern design.
But after years of decline, privatization, and neglect, the city stepped in with a plan to preserve its strange, iconic silhouette…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/KcDwwzI8KA
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) June 19, 2025