Tag: COMMUNITY

iLunch open at Olivia Centre!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

Fast lunch, not fast food – this is the new gastronomic offer at Olivia Centre. High-quality dishes, served less than 2 minutes after ordering, are a response to the need of a large group of employees who avoid monotony and want to eat a meal quickly in comfortable conditions. The Lithuanian chain is planning an ambitious expansion in the largest Polish cities, and has opened its first restaurant in the largest Polish business center in Gdańsk.

The Gdańsk restaurant received its first guests on Friday, January 23. The preopening was attended by office managers from Olivia Centre, business partners and the media, and its official opening took place on Monday, January 26. The restaurant chain is successfully developing in Lithuania, Latvia and the United Arab Emirates, where it already has over 40 restaurants. In Poland, 100 openings are planned over the next 5 years, and the total cost of the iLunch network investment is expected to reach EUR 50 million.

The idea of the restaurant is based on high-quality dishes, which are available to guests within 2 minutes of ordering. The ordering process is fully automated, and operational excellence allows you to serve fresh, on-site dishes for up to 500 people a day at such a fast pace. The menu includes classic Polish dishes, which will be complemented by constantly changing dishes from different parts of the world.

“The standard of our restaurants is the high quality of the dishes served and automated service ,” says Aurelijus Jasevičius, founder of iLunch. – However, the fact that our dishes are available so quickly does not mean that we want to provide a quick meal. iLunch restaurants are characterized by interesting design and solutions that increase the comfort of spending time with us, so we invite our guests to enjoy a lunch break in a friendly atmosphere and pleasant environment. We want to offer them quality and comfort as well as a distinctive and wide range of dishes at very affordable prices.

Olivia Centre was chosen for the premiere of iLunch in Poland for a reason. On a daily basis, 15 thousand people work here and the center can boast of a high level of employee attendance in offices, so its choice seems to be perfect for the premiere of the chain in Poland. We try to provide our residents with the most diverse offer in every area – says Bogusław Wieczorek, Representative of the Management Board of Olivia Centre. The cafes, prestigious restaurants and bistro bars already present in Olivia are joined by an original lunch concept, thanks to which we are expanding the range of opportunities that await the employees of the offices that have their headquarters in our center. This year, Olivia will welcome the first residents to the new Olivia Pulse apartment building, which is why the opening of iLunch is another step to improve the quality of work, leisure time, and soon also life in Olivia.

Author of photos: Witek Deka

Olivia Centre sums up 2025

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

The largest contract of 2025 in the Tri-City, great trust from residents and high attendance during events. Olivia Centre sums up 2025.

 

46 thousand m.kw. space lease agreements, 18 new residents and 250 thousand guests during business events and events are the results of Olivia Centre for 2025. Olivia Centre maintains its leading position in Northern Poland and is preparing to expand its services.

 

The second best result of commercialization of space in the history of Olivia: despite the dynamic situation in the office segment, Olivia is not slowing down. Remote and hybrid work is still ongoing, resulting in vacant space in regional cities constantly increasing, and companies reducing office space. As a result, there is an increase in the diversity of tenants, and thus an increase in the tenant mix and expansion of cooperation opportunities within the ecosystem of large business centers. This results in increased business stability and less sensitivity to changes in individual industries, which in the past had a negative impact on the situation of some office buildings.

 

At Olivia Centre in 2025 ended with lease agreements for space at the level of 46 thousand. m.kw. Only one year in the history of the project ended with a higher result. Among the signed agreements, the dominant extensions, which covered as many as 33 thousand. m.kw. This group includes two residents, each of whom has extended the contract for over 10 thousand. m.kw. which was the largest lease agreement in 2025 in the Tri-City. Thanks to this data, Olivia retains almost 100% of the leased space: 95% occupancy allows it to maintain the reserve necessary to provide growth opportunities for existing tenants and to select business partners accordingly in terms of the center’s strategy and commitments to current tenants. Last year, the center welcomed new tenants, including Scania Group, Ørsted, HedgeServ, DHL Global Forwarding, Lux Med., Unicredit and worldbox.

 

– Was it a difficult year? No one who works in the office real estate segment will say that these are easy times, because this market is still undergoing transformation, and the finale of these changes is still unknown to everyone – says Maciej Kotarski, director at Olivia Centre. – Olivia is becoming a real mixed-use center, consistently expanding its leisure offer for the Tri-City community and tourists. The excellent results of Olivia Star Top prove that this is a highly anticipated destination by tourists and residents of our agglomeration. In 2026, Olivia will expand its offer with residential apartments in the new Olivia Pulse building, thanks to which we will welcome permanent residents of Olivia Centre for the first time in the history of our project, becoming not only a business and event center, but also a place to live every day. This is an important stage of development for us.

 

“Many business centres are developing their mix-use offer, which should be considered a valuable direction in terms of the role these centres play in the urban fabric,” emphasizes Maciej Kotarski.– Olivia Centre has been ahead of these trends many years ago, developing towards a hospitality centre, preparing restaurants, a conference and event centre and the exotic Olivia Garden, open to all residents of Gdańsk. We are also developing our passion development projects: Olivia Yacht Club, Choir and sports clubs serve the integration and well-being of employees. I believe that this direction will develop and is a value for employees and many residents of the Tri-City, who take advantage of the opportunities offered by Olivia. It is also a value for Residents, which is confirmed by the numbers: 18 new residents (a record), lease extension agreements at the level of m.kw 46 thousand and 95% of lease – all this confirms the value that the development towards the hospitality center brings.

 

The year 2025 was also the year of the O4 Coworking jubilee, which has undergone a unique evolution over the years. Business maturity allows us to complement the services offered to tenants with much more than just renting space for work. O4 expands its capabilities with special events that allow members of this unique community to grow their business and network. The past year is best illustrated by the numbers: the 8th edition of recruitment speed dating, a large Lead Well conference, 3 charity campaigns, 20 special events for coworkers and 30 projects carried out together with external partners. This year, 20 new companies with a total of 600 employees joined the community. 9 of them are companies from outside Polish.

 

“2025 was the best planned and implemented year in our history ,” says Marta Moksa, director of O4 Coworking. – Everything we have done: networking meetings of our clients, recruitment speed dating or the loudest birthday in history is a combination of our experience and research on the experience of our Residents. And the sales records of offices and desks, on the other hand, are the result of the laborious O4 brand, built over years and on reliable evidence. Nothing comes easy to us, we do everything in an unusual way – but I am very happy that such an approach brings long-lasting and safe effects. Trust, relationships, a sense of security – this cannot be bought with tricks or social media campaigns. These are all those small and big things that make O4ians repeat: “with you it is possible”, “we feel taken care of”, “we want to stay here”. For me, the most important achievement is the cosmic NPS – 3/4 of our customers give us a rating of 9 or 10! This is a great joy and a great commitment for 2026. We are preparing a lot of novelties, because those who do not develop, go backwards!

 

Olivia Star Top, occupying the top floors of Olivia Star, also closes the year with exceptional successes. During the year, we hosted nearly 250 thousand people,” says Rafał Marcyniuk, Member of the Management Board of Olivia Star Top. – On the 34th floor alone, we have organized almost 350 business and private events – from corporate meetings and conferences to anniversaries and closed events. The entire Olivia Star Top space was also buzzing with music throughout the year – over 500 live music performances took place on all floors, which became one of the characteristic elements of the guest experience.

 

The year 2025 brought further successes confirming the highest quality of the gastronomic offer in the restaurants on the top floors of Olivia Star:

  • The ARCO restaurant has maintained its Michelin star, confirming the stability of the highest culinary standards.
  • Treinta y Tres has once again retained the Michelin Bib Gourmand award.
  • Antonio Arcieri was once again included in the prestigious list of The Best Chef Awards, this time receiving the “2 knives” distinction.
  • The Arco restaurant has been featured again in the international guide La Liste.
  • The project also won the prestigious Wine Spectator award – two glasses, confirming the highest quality of our wine list.
  • Among the most important events of the year, a special place is occupied by unique authorial dinners hosted by Paco Pérez, including dinners with Dani García – one of the most outstanding and recognizable chefs of contemporary gastronomy. These were events of a unique nature, emphasizing the international rank of Olivia Star Top.

 

“Last year was a time of consistent development, high attendance results and further strengthening of its position as one of the most prestigious gastronomic and event venues in Poland ,” says Krzysztof Dembek, Member of the Management Board of Olivia Star Top. ” Olivia Star Top is not just a place, but a strong brand – associated with quality, consistency, unique emotions and experience at the highest level.

 

 

 

Art that happens in between. An artistic year in Olivia

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

Art has been an important element of Olivia Centre’s identity for years. As part of the artistic Olivia project, the common spaces of our center become a natural background for creative narratives. A place where architecture meets emotion, and a work of art perfectly harmonizes with the urban rhythm. The works presented in Olivia do not function in isolation from everyday life. On the contrary, they enter into a dialogue with it, inviting us to reflect on the contemporary world, the city and the nature of man.

 

We are opening the year 2026. Between the horizon and the glass

We are opening the year 2026 with the exhibition “Between the Horizon and Glass”, the starting point of which is a view from above – of the 32. Floors Olivia Star. It is from here that Gdańsk is fully revealed: the sea, moraine forests waving on the horizon, dense city buildings and cranes; a sign of its history and identity. This perspective places man between two worlds: the material, technological, dominated by glass and construction, and the world of nature, light and open space. In January and February, in the lobby of Olivia Star, we present the works of Aneta Iwona Oniszczuk-Jastrząbek – an artist professionally associated with the University of Gdańsk. Her work, inspired by contemporary painting, abstraction and minimalism, is a record of personal experiences and a subjective interpretation of reality, without attachment to one style. Oniszczuk-Jastrząbek has always had a natural ease of drawing and painting, but she consciously developed this passion in 2012. After a short break, the artist returned to intensive creative activity in 2019, in parallel with her professional work as the Vice-Rector for Informatization and Internationalization at the University of Gdańsk.

 

We invite you to an author’s meeting

In connection with the exhibition, we cordially invite you to an author’s meeting with Aneta Oniszczuk-Jastrząbek. During a unique evening at Olivia Star, we will immerse ourselves in the world of the Artist. We will learn about the genesis of her works, discover inspirations, explore the creative process. In a fascinating conversation about art, emotions and meanings, we will try to discover what is hidden between color, light and gesture.

 

21 January | hrs 18:00
Gdansk | Olivia Centre | Olivia Star lobby

It is a unique opportunity to meet directly, talk about art and discover together the emotions that the artist tries to express in her work. We will be extremely pleased to host you and spend this evening in a friendly, inspiring atmosphere, full of art and creative dialogue.

 

 

Fresh blood

The year 2025 was exceptionally artistically rich for us. Since March, Olivia Star has been able to admire the exhibition “Fresh Blood”, prepared in cooperation with the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk and the Gdańsk Community Foundation. We saw here the diverse attitudes of young artists, oscillating around the theme of man and his relationship with the world – from market scenes full of movement and bustle, to meditative images referring to memory and inner experiences. Sculpture was an important complement to painting; from classic ceramics to modern plaster molds. The following artists presented their works: Filip Rzodkiewicz (curator of the exhibition), Victoria Więckowska, Julia Ledwoń, Jan Raczyński, Matylda Soja, Magdalena Drawska, Jan Kalman and Oliwia Eliza Bury.

Photo: Maciej Roszkowski | We love the photo.

 

Zoom

The next stage of the dialogue with the academic community was “ZOOM” – a painterly close-up of the young staff of the Academy of Fine Arts. It is a real confrontation of individual painting languages, aesthetics and creative strategies, which, despite their diversity, created a coherent story about the condition of contemporary painting. The exhibition was attended by: Karolina Futyma, Przemysław Garczyński, Tomasz Kopcewicz, Agata Nowosielska and Agata Przyżycka.

Photo: Karol Murat | Zawsze Pomorze

 

Viva Tenerife!

In the summer, Olivia Star’s lobby was filled with colour and energy thanks to “Viva Tenerife!”. We were able to get to know the work of twelve artists participating in artistic residencies in Tenerife. The presented works were personal and extremely emotional records of experiences related to the island, its landscapes, light, nature, culture. The guests were delighted by the visual impressions – full of intense colors, reflecting the rhythm and atmosphere of the place. Artists presenting works: Anna Bocek, Karolina Zimnicka, Rita Staszulonok, Anita Cempa, Natalia Biegalska, Eugenia Rewera, Marta Wycech, Anita Isabelle Klein, Alina Walkusz, Agata Grendowicz, Ella Cisha and Anna Moon.

 

 

Legends

The year 2025 was closed by the exhibition “Legends”. Exceptional artists presented their works – retired professors, retired professors and teachers of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk. For many years, they and they created the everyday life and mythology of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk. Their works were presented by: Krystyna Andrzejewska-Marek, Kiejstut Bereźnicki, Roman Gajewski, Stanisław Gierada, Teresa Klaman, Mariusz Kulpa, Hugon Lasecki, Henryk Lula, Jadwiga Okrassa, Mieczysław Mieto Olszewski, Cezary Paszkowski, Janina Rudnicka, Janina Stefanowicz-Schmidt, Andrzej Śramkiewicz and Czesław Tumielewicz.

 

Photo: Maciej Roszkowski | We love the photo.

 

Entering 2026, Olivia remains a space open to art – diverse and close to people. The exhibition “Between the Horizon and Glass” is also our next invitation to stop and look at the city, architecture and ourselves from a new perspective.

 

Christmas Concert of the Choir and Friends at Olivia Star. An evening full of musical magic

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

In the hall of Olivia Star, the December evening sounded exceptional. The Christmas Concert of the Choir and Friends has become a beautiful clasp of the day – full of warmth, emotions and experiencing music together, which at this time of year gains special power.

 

Music that connects

From the first minutes, the audience was carried away by the atmosphere of the meeting: there were moments of emotion, sincere smiles, spontaneous laughter and that characteristic, festive energy when everyone – at least for a moment – feels closer to each other. Olivia Star’s hall, filled with sound, turned into a space for experiencing together: without haste, without distance, to the rhythm of the most beautiful melodies.

 

On stage: Olivia Centre Choir and guests

The concert was led by music and a variety of voices. The following performed on stage:

  • Olivia Centre Choir conducted by Wiktoria Pagieła

  • Fahrenheit University Alumni Choir “Non Serio”, led by Beata Borowicz

  • Children of the choir members and friends of the choir, who added even more joy and naturalness to the concert

It was this intergenerational mix that made the performance not only have a high artistic level, but also an exceptionally cordial, “homely” atmosphere.

 

A sound that builds the mood

Beautiful, festive sounds were taken care of by Marcin Twardowski, who accompanied. His musical presence subtly led the concert, emphasizing emotions and giving the whole thing coherence – from quiet, focused moments to those in which the energy in the audience grew with each subsequent phrase.

 

Christmas carols and winter arrangements of well-known songs

The repertoire includes the most beautiful Christmas carols and winter arrangements of well-known songs – those that immediately evoke memories and build the mood. There were times when the audience listened in silence, but there were also times when it was hard not to join in – because Christmas hits just ask you to sing together.

 

The concert is open to everyone. And that’s exactly what December should be like

The Christmas Concert of the Choir and Friends was an open event and that was the most beautiful thing about it. Regardless of whether someone came “for a while” or stayed until the end, they left with the feeling that they had participated in something good: in an encounter that builds community and leaves a clear trace.

We would like to thank all the artists and guests for this evening. Such moments remind us that the magic of Christmas really does exist and often begins with a common sound.

With the magical rhythm of December: Christmas market in Olivia

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

Wednesday in Olivia had everything we love December for. The Christmas Fair took place in the Olivia Star Hall, which, as every year, turned this space into a handicraft town full of life, cordiality and scents.

 

Unique, handmade decorations, imaginative gifts, Christmas decorations and trinkets that immediately attracted attention awaited the stands. Each of the exhibitors brought something of their own — passion, smile and that characteristic December attentiveness, thanks to which even the smallest object can evoke admiration.

 

There were also Christmas flavors. Natka Bistro served aromatic borscht, dumplings with cabbage and mushrooms, homemade pâtés and fresh bread smelling like Christmas Eve morning. Gorąco Poleca tempted with pastries that didn’t take long to persuade: sweet rolls with plums, soft cinnamon rolls and donuts that disappeared faster than they could be photographed.

 

The whole thing was complemented by conversations, spontaneous meetings and that quiet, December magic that always appears in Olivia when something common happens.

 

The Christmas market is not only an opportunity for our community to buy unique things, but also a moment to support the Foundations and Associations present on site. This is already our little tradition — and like any tradition, it brings a lot of good.

 

We would like to thank everyone who visited the fair, shared a smile and took at least a bit of Christmas mood with them. We would also like to thank the exhibitors for their passion and beautiful works, as well as to all those who supported them with their purchases – thanks to you, this event had such a unique energy.
See you next year.

 

 

Fast lunch, not fast food – iLunch opens its first Polish restaurant in Gdańsk, in Olivia Centre!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

After success in Lithuania, Latvia and the United Arab Emirates, iLunch enters Polish with a bold expansion plan. The brand, which has redefined the way we think about lunch, will open its first restaurant in January at the Olivia Business Center in Gdańsk, in the Olivia Prime building.

 

iLunch is a modern gastronomic concept that combines the speed of fast food with the quality of fresh, authentic dishes. Their motto “Fast lunch, but not fast food” perfectly reflects what they offer: high-quality meals served in just 2 minutes of placing your order.

 

All dishes are freshly prepared on site. The menu is based on European cuisine, enriched with local flavors and occasional exotic touches, with new, balanced dishes appearing every day! iLunch restaurants are open from Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., focusing solely on what matters most – the perfect lunch for the busy. Guests of the Olivia Centre can enjoy their meals right on the spot, but residents of all over Gdańsk can also benefit from fast delivery straight to their homes and offices.

 

The concept is based on a unique combination of advanced technology and high-quality cooking. Digital ordering via tablets, automated delivery systems and optimized kitchen processes allow each restaurant to serve up to 1500 customers per day while maintaining exceptional quality.

 

“People want to eat well, but they don’t want to waste time waiting, especially during working hours,” says Aurelijus Jasevičius, founder of iLunch. “We created iLunch to bring this idea to life: fast lunch, but not fast food – a place where technology, nutrition and modern convenience meet.”

 

The story of iLunch began in 2016 in Vilnius, where Aurelijus developed the concept and opened the first restaurant. The organization grew even more when Donatas Vaitasius joined the company as CEO in 2019, strengthening the operational and organizational structure at a crucial moment in scale. Thanks to this leadership, supported by a growing and committed team, iLunch grew dynamically in the following years, reaching more than 40 restaurants in Lithuania and successfully entering international markets such as Latvia and the United Arab Emirates.

 

The company’s CEO, Donatas Vaitasius, supports the brand’s day-to-day operations and organizational development. As a leader in day-to-day management, he ensures that a dynamically growing network maintains high product quality, trusted brand identity, and consistent customer experiences across all markets.

 

“Gdańsk is a priority for us because it made a huge impression on us from the very beginning,” says Donatas “The Olivia Center – the largest business center in Poland is the perfect location to start our Polish journey. Thousands of professionals visit Olivia every day, and soon they will be able to enjoy healthy, freshly prepared lunches served in just a few minutes.”

 

Modern interiors, streamlined processes and a new menu every day – this is iLunch – the brand that revolutionized lunch breaks is now ready to welcome its first guests to Poland.

 

Magical December 10 in Olivia! Fair, Christmas mission and concert!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

On Wednesday, December 10, you will feel the real magic of Christmas in Olivia. Plenty of attractions await you on this day. Ahead of you is the Christmas Fair, a so-called mission with a delicious prize and a concert! Here’s your guide to an extraordinary, eventful day of Christmas.

 

11:00 – 13:30 | Christmas Market at Olivia Star
Venue: Olivia Star lobby

 

We start the morning with something that will get you in the Christmas mood from the first step. The traditional Christmas Market is a real feast for lovers of beautiful, unique items.

 

Here you will find:

  • Handcrafted Christmas Decorations
  • original gifts and small gifts
  • decorations created with passion
  • unique, artistic handmade products

 

This is the perfect opportunity to prepare unique gifts – those that have a soul and that you won’t find in any chain store. And by the way… to feel the warmth of the approaching Christmas.

 

More…

 

16:30 – 18:00 | Secret Christmas Mission: Quest & Hot Drink
Location: Outdoor patio between Olivia Star and Olivia Six

 

Don’t run away after the fair! Something absolutely special awaits you. Christmas Quest starts – short, A fun puzzle that will help you get a free hot drink from our Christmas station. Come to the patio between Olivia Star and Olivia Six! By the way, you can also take a super photo by the swing. Upload it to Instagram and tag Olivia @oliviacentre!

 

What does it look like?

  • Come to the patio between Olivia Star and Olivia Six.
  • Receive and solve the task.
  • Exchange the correct answer for something delicious and hot.

 

The atmosphere? It will be magical. You can already smell the smell of winter, you can hear quiet bells, and Santa Claus… Apparently, he keeps an eye on the participants. It’s the perfect way to warm up, meet others and get into the concert mood.

 

18:00 | Christmas Concert of the Choir and Friends at Olivia Star
Venue: Olivia Star Hall

 

The evening is crowned with something absolutely extraordinary – a concert full of warmth, emotions and musical magic.

 

The following will perform on stage:

  • Olivia Centre Choir conducted by Wiktoria Pagieła
  • Fahrenheit University Alumni Choir “Non Serio” led by Beata Borowicz
  • Children of choir members and choir friends

 

Marcin Twardowski will accompany, taking care of beautiful, festive sounds.

 

That evening we will hear the most beautiful Christmas carols and winter arrangements of well-known songs. Maybe we will sing a Christmas hit together again? The concert is open to everyone.

 

Sign up!

 

 

Christmas summary of the day
December 10 at Olivia is a perfect proposition for anyone who wants to feel the magic of December.

In the morning: inspirations and gifts.

Afternoon: fun and a warming surprise.

In the evening: music, emotions and celebration together.

Book this day! The Christmas magic happens here.

 

 

Jump High for Santa Claus 2025. Together we did it again!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

This is another time when we play volleyball together and help those who need it most. This year’s edition of the charity tournament Jump High for Santa Claus, whose originator and organizer is our Resident, Bayer, once again showed how great the power of good is done together.

 

The event was attended by 9 Gdańsk companies, which fought on the field, but above all played for the children in their care Hospice Ks. Dutkiewicza in Gdansk. Together we provided real help!

 

From the entry fee of companies, PLN 10,500 went to the hospice. All this amount will be used for Christmas gifts that will allow children to make their Christmas dreams come true.

 

In addition, during the tournament, a lottery and an auction were held, which brought another PLN 2,153. The funds from the lottery will be donated to a collection for Zosia Lewandowska: https://www.siepomaga.pl/zosia-lewandowska. You can also support it, because the sum to be collected is huge!

 

Ranking after matches:

 

  1. Jit Team
  2. Kemira
  3. DNV
  4. Bengay Malbork
  5. Bayer Sp. Ltd.
  6. Worldbox
  7. Olivia Centre
  8. Odyssey Logistics
  9. Ricoh Business Services

 

Each team gave their best and once again proved that sport and helping are a perfect combination. Thank you!

 

This initiative could not have taken place without the incredible commitment of Bayer volunteers, who have been behind the organization of the tournament for years. We would like to thank all the companies that joined, all the fans supporting the players and everyone who contributed to the fundraiser.

 

Together we can do more. And we proved it again. See you at the next edition of Jump High for Santa Claus!

 

Photo

Fig. Bayer

Maltese Christmas Wafer at Olivia Centre. Become a volunteer!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

On December 1, 2025, Olivia Centre will host a special event – the Maltese Christmas Wafer  (Opłatek Maltański) –  marking the 24th edition of this festive gathering and the fifth time it will take place in Gdańsk, on the highest floors of Olivia Star. Each year, the event brings together several hundred invited guests. The organization of this exceptional celebration is an initiative of the Polish Association of the Knights of Malta.

 

The Order of Malta: over 860 years of tradition and over 100 years of helping those
The Order of Malta began its mission in 1154. In Poland, it has been providing aid to those in need for over 100 years through the Polish Association of the Knights of Malta. As part of its charitable work, numerous initiatives are organized – among them one of the most significant, the Maltese Christmas Wafer, which in 2025 celebrates its 24th anniversary.

 

The Maltese Wafer: History and Purpose
Malta from Kraków, with the support of His Eminence Cardinal Franciszek Macharski. Each year, the event brings together thousands of people in the spirit of Christmas, offering moments of joy, a sense of community, and material support to those facing difficult life circumstances.

 

This year’s edition
In 2025, the Maltese Christmas Wafer will take place in over 30 towns and cities across Poland. In addition to traditional Christmas Eve gift packages containing toys for children, food products, and personal care items, participants will receive emotional support. The initiative focuses not only on material aid but, above all, on shared time together — bringing companionship to those who are lonely or in need during the festive season. One of its most important aspects is creating a truly special atmosphere. For many guests, it is not just a Christmas Eve dinner, but also a chance to pause, breathe, and step away from everyday challenges. In Gdańsk, it also offers the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views from the 34th floor of Olivia Star — the tallest building in Pomerania.

 

At the Christmas Eve table in Olivia, families with children, seniors, individuals living alone, and people with disabilities will once again gather together. The table will be filled with traditional holiday dishes, served to the sound of carols. It is a time spent in warmth and togetherness — filled with conversation, celebration, and a sense of community.

The Tri-City edition of the Maltese Christmas Wafer will take place on December 1, 2025, on the 34th floor of Olivia Star. The event will host several hundred guests in need from Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot. Olivia Centre will also welcome, among others, the Mayors of Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot, as well as His Excellency, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Gdańsk.

 

Become a Volunteer!
It is only thanks to the incredible dedication of our Volunteers that we can create such a special event — one that fills the Tri-City with kindness, festive warmth, and joy.
If you’d like to be part of this Christmas gathering and join as a Volunteer, please contact Monika Tarnowska, Coordinator of the Maltese Christmas Wafer in the Tri-City.

 

Preliminary Volunteer Schedule

Friday, November 28 – Transport to Olivia Star
Deliveries of equipment and gifts will arrive from various locations.
Help will be needed with loading and unloading.

Sunday, November 30 – Gift Packing
Location: Olivia Star

Two volunteer groups:

  • Group 1 (conceptual) – from 11:00 a.m.
    Preparation of workstations and sorting of gifts.

  • Group 2 (packing) – from 1:00 p.m.
    Packing of gift boxes and preparing them for distribution to event participants.

 

Monday, December 1 – Event Day
Start: 11:00 a.m., Olivia Star
This is the moment when we come together to brighten the day with smiles, energy, and heart.

 

Become a Donor!

The organization of the event in the Tri-City would not be possible without the support of Sponsors and Donors who make it possible to prepare Christmas Eve meals and gift packages for invited guests. If you’d like to become a Donor, please contact Monika Tarnowska, Coordinator of the Maltese Christmas Wafer in the Tri-City.

 

Contact for Volunteers and Donors:
Monika Tarnowska
Coordinator of the Maltese Christmas Wafer in the Tri-City
Tel. +48 695 452 102
E-mail: monika.tarnowska@zakonmaltanski.pl

 

Institutional
The initiative is co-financed by the City of Gdańsk and supported by the cities of Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot.

 

How can you help?

Individuals and companies wishing to support the Maltese Christmas Wafer can make contributions to the account of the Polish Knights of Malta Foundation:

PKO Bank Polski SA | Account number: 39 1020 2892 0000 5102 0523 8771
Please include the note: “Maltese Christmas Wafer”

The Maltese Wafer in Olivia 2023, photo: Bogusław Wieczorek, oplatekmaltanski.org

The winners of the sixth edition of the Oliwa Neighborhood Budget announced

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

Intergenerational workshops, a concert, photography workshops, a publication about the Gate House and a flash mob. Such projects will be implemented as part of the sixth edition of the Oliwa Neighborhood Budget, financed by Olivia Centre, Andrzej Stelmasiewicz and Przemysław Skokowski – councillor of the Przymorze Małe district.

 

The Oliwa Neighborhood Budget is a local program to support initiatives that develop Oliwa and Przymorze Małe and strengthen ties between the residents of two districts located at Olivia Centre. The initiative has been consistently implemented since 2020. Its aim is to enable the implementation of projects submitted by residents and for residents. The results of this year’s edition were announced on October 26 during a ceremony in the main hall of Olivia Star.

 

In the sixth edition of the budget, as many as 15 initiatives were submitted. The jurors decided to co-finance or provide comprehensive support for the implementation of 5 projects.

 

The first of them is a concert for the residents of Oliwa and tourists, which will take place in July 2026 in the Adam Mickiewicz Park in Oliwa. The event continues the tradition of summer concerts and responds to the need to participate in culture for people of all ages and with different health abilities. Based on the attendance from previous years, the organizers estimate the attendance of about 250-300 people. The location and time of the concert are conducive to the participation of a wide range of recipients – you can participate in it on a blanket with a pet, in a wheelchair or together with children, who will also get to know live music.

 

The second project that has received funding is a continuation of the initiative implemented so far in other districts of Gdańsk. Project “Time and image of Gdańsk: Olive oil and the Little Littoral” It includes workshops on creating collages from old postcards and combining them with images of everyday life of the inhabitants of both districts. The initiative strengthens intergenerational and intercultural dialogue, drawing on the diverse history of Oliwa and the involvement of participants of different ages, countries and backgrounds. 4 workshops for 50 people are planned. The project is complemented by meetings in other parts of the city, which are ultimately to enable the creation of a historical map of places and their transformations over the years.

 

The project of the Regional Centre for Information and Support of Non-Governmental Organisations “Oil in the Objective of Word and Image” – workshops combining education and creative activity of residents – also received funding. As part of them, classes will be held on creating reportages and photographs documenting the life of the district. The meetings will be led by an experienced journalist, and participants will learn the basics of reportage, preparing questions, collecting materials and building a story. A field workshop on reportage mobile photography is also planned, devoted to the use of a smartphone as a reporting tool, the principles of composition and visual narration, and capturing the daily rhythm of Oliwa.

 

Among the projects selected for implementation there was also a publication on the history of the Gatehouse in printed form, with distribution among residents. The Gatehouse is an important meeting point for the inhabitants of Oliwa and the oldest gem of brick Gothic at Stary Rynek Oliwski Street. The building from the 15th century, despite its location in the center of the district, remains relatively unknown. Enthusiasts of the history of Oliwa were involved in the process of creating the publication: volunteers and seniors, who take part in the classes in the Neighborhood House on a daily basis. For centuries, the building served as the entrance gate to Oliwa for Polish monarchs: Jan III Sobieski, Jan Kazimierz, Sigismund III Vasa, Queen Louise Maria Gonzaga and deputies negotiating the Oliwa Peace after the war with the Swedes. The publication will also present the history of the Cistercians of Oliwa and contemporary initiatives carried out in the building.

 

Thanks to funding from the Oliwa Neighborhood Budget, children from Primary School No. 23 in Oliwa will organize a flash mob as part of the nationwide National Reading. On an October Sunday, the participants of the project will promote Jan Kochanowski’s poetry in Oliwa Park, reading his works to the guests of the park. The event will be recorded and edited into a short film, which will support the promotion of the school and the popularization of the poet’s work.

 

The history of the Oliwa Neighborhood Budget dates back to 2020, when a platform to support local initiatives for the development of Oliwa and Przymorze Małe, two districts of Gdańsk located directly at the Olivia Centre, whose residents very often work in Olivia, was created. “In this way, we want to support all initiatives that are important for residents and contribute to the development of the environment in which we operate” – says Bogusław Wieczorek, Representative of the Management Board of Olivia Centre. „As the largest business center in Poland, we support the development of Gdańsk and Pomerania, offering jobs and space for business development. However, the micro-community of which we are neighbors is equally important to us. We want to help organize extracurricular activities, activation workshops for seniors and people in need, as well as support the development of common spaces with new facilities or elements of small architecture. Experience shows that the Oliwa Neighborhood Budget works well where support is needed on a daily basis, and other sources of financing are sometimes unavailable. We are happy that we can improve the quality of life and be good neighbors to the local community.”

 

The Oliwa Neighborhood Budget is an initiative of Olivia Centre, which has been supported from the beginning by Andrzej Stelmasiewicz, a local entrepreneur, cultural activist and long-time Gdańsk councillor. From 2024 , Przemysław Skokowski, a councillor of the Przymorze Małe district, also a Gdańsk entrepreneur, has also joined the group of partners. The jury deciding on the selection of co-financed initiatives includes: Małgorzata Skwira – headmistress of Primary School No. 35, Tomasz Strug – chairman of the Board of the Oliwa District, Przemysław Skokowski – chairman of the Przymorze Małe District Council, Andrzej Stelmasiewicz – a resident of Oliwa and a social activist, Grzegorz Kidybiński – a member of the board of Olivia Centre and Bogusław Wieczorek – a representative of the board of Olivia Centre for the protection of the Olivia Centre. public relations.

 

Concert in the park with James P. and a hat in the background
Park ON Association

 

The Time and Image of Gdańsk project. Oliwa and Małe Przymorze
Atelier Jerszow Foundation

 

Oil in the lens of words and images
Regional Centre for Information and Support of Non-Governmental Organisations

 

Print a folder about the Gatehouse
Stara Oliwa Association

 

Kochanowski in the park – FLASH MOB action
Primary School No. 23, Children of the World