Boutique of the Silesian University of Technology is now open
On May the 14th, 2026, the Boutique of the Silesian University of Technology was officially opened. It is a new place on the map of the university, where the academic community and supporters of the Silesian University of Technology can buy clothing, gadgets and publications signed with the university logo. The ceremonial cutting of the ribbon was accompanied by the first purchases and the presentation of an exceptionally designed space.
As emphasized by the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Marek Pawełczyk, the idea of creating a university Boutique was born during visits to the best universities in the world.
– I knew that we wanted – like other universities – to have a suitable place where we could strengthen our brand, invite people associated with the university and enable them to represent the Silesian University of Technology brand through clothing or gadgets – said the Rector during the opening ceremony.
He also said that the Boutique is much more than just a store. The Boutique is located at 23, Kaszubska Street in Gliwice, on the ground floor of the Library building of the Silesian University of Technology. The choice of this place was not accidental. Modern libraries are places of meetings, conversations, getting to know universities and integration of the academic community.
– In the best universities, such places are organized in libraries. We wanted to create a living, open and friendly space – emphasized the Rector.
The Boutique’s offer includes, among others, sweatshirts, shirts, hats, bags, mugs, and other gadgets with the logo of the university, as well as publications of the Silesian University of Technology. The offer is to be gradually expanded, while maintaining high quality of the products.
Dr Hab. Eng. Arch. Tomasz Wagner from the Faculty of Architecture of the Silesian University of Technology was responsible for the concept of the interior. From the beginning, the project was to be distinguished by its individual character – on the one hand, modern design, on the other hand – with strong references to university and Silesian identity and culture of the university.
– I wanted this interior to be original and not to be a repetition of solutions known from other universities. I wanted a very individual trait connected with the Silesian University of Technology – noted the architect.
In the space of the Boutique there are numerous artistic elements and symbolic references to the region. One of the most characteristic solutions are hangers inspired by a mining chain bath. The clothes were suspended under the ceiling on special mechanisms allowing them to be lowered. The changing room was also designed in an unusual way – without traditional walls, with a curtain suspended on the rim under the ceiling. The project respects the diversity of the academic community and people – the costumes are also displayed on the plus size mannequin. The different passions and interests of students and staff are also taken into account. – Considering the strong sports movement at the Silesian University of Technology, we thought about a mannequin on a skateboard – explained the architect. There are also sculptures of a dog and a cat with a view to provide gadgets for pets, which are also available in the stock.
The interior of the Boutique also serves as an art gallery. One can see sculptures and elements borrowed from the Faculty of Architecture and elements inspired by Venice.
The director of the Silesian University of Technology Library, Dr Hab. Renata Frączek, as well as Elżbieta Jaworska Elżbieta Jaworska from the Investment Projects Office (Dział Projektów Inwestycyjnych) and the team of the Promotion and Communication Centre of the Silesian University of Technology were also actively involved in the implementation of the project.
The opening of Boutique was enthusiastically welcomed by students and doctoral students of the university. Eng. Błażej Brudny from the Student Self-Government of the Silesian University of Technology emphasized that similar places are a standard at renowned global universities.
- I was at Stanford and I can confirm that it’s almost identical there. It shows the huge amount of work of people who designed and implemented this place – he said.
As he pointed out, students very often look for opportunities to identify with the university also outside the period of study. – We see this need during job fairs and other university events. Students want to be associated with the university not only during their studies, but also later – he added.
The importance of university gadgets for building the community was also emphasized by Iga Przytuła from the Self-Government of PhD students of the Silesian University of Technology.
- Such gadgets strengthen the sense of identification and community at the university. During trips abroad, we see students and PhD students on global campuses proudly wearing the clothes of their universities.
One of Boutique’s first clients was Monika Kruczek, the President of the Management Board of Bumar-Łabędy S.A. and a graduate of the Silesian University of Technology.
- I bought two sweatshirts – one for myself, the other for my daughter. I wanted to have something from the Silesian University of Technology, because for me it is an important souvenir and a reason to be proud. Everywhere I emphasize that I am a graduate of the Silesian University of Technology – she said.
The Boutique will be open from Monday to Friday from 10.00– 14.00. On the occasion of the opening, in the first days of business, attractive discounts and surprises are waiting for the customers in the Boutique.
fot. Martin Huć, Tomasz Wagner
