Karol Wilhelm Scheibler is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Lodz. Originating from Rhineland, this factory owner built the largest factory empire not only in the city but in the entire Kingdom of Poland. Scheibler began from the land plot at the Wodny Rynek (Water Square), currently Plac Zwycięstwa (Victory Square) where he built his first factory complex, “Centrala”, and his palace. This place is the beginning of his great territorial expansion which, in its peak period, included the area from Przędzalniana Street to Piotrkowska Street (together will his farm almost 15% of the total area of the city). Karol Scheibler was one the first industrialists who, apart from financial gains, cared for the living conditions of his workers. Thanks to him, Księży Młyn was built, which was the largest workers’ settlement in Lodz, a “city inside a city” including hospitals, fire station, gasworks and later also a power plant. Next to it, the Herbst Palace, which belonged to the factory owner’s son-in-law and consequent manager of the complex, was built. The plants, which in the 1920’s were united with the neighboring factory of the Grohman family, remained in the hands of the family up to the beginning of World War II. After 1945, they operated as the state owned Defenders of Peace Cotton Industry Plant “Uniontex”.
Currently the buildings that used to belong to Scheibler’s empire have different functions. The factory owner’s palace houses the Museum of Cinematography, whereas the revitalized buildings of the former spinning mill were converted into lofts lofts and others are restaurants and apartments. The workers’ settlement is being subjected to renovation works, but it still has a residential function.
Useful links:
Film Museum
Kinematograf Cinema
Herbst Palace Museum
Palm House
Księży Młyn Tourist Center
Loft Aparts
Rastaurant Księży Młyn
Rastaurant Fatamorgana
Rastaurant Cesky Film
Café Tubajka
Café Maison
Café Kreatoora
