Once located at Theater Square next to the now-demolished Municipal Theatre, the sculpture of "Łuczniczka" (The Archer) provoked the more prudish residents of Bydgoszcz. Today, this statue, elevated to the status of one of the city's symbols, proudly stands in front of the Polish Theatre in Jan Kochanowski Park.
The statue of the beautiful sportswoman is one of the last works of Berlin artist Ferdinand Lepcke. It was exhibited in Berlin and Munich, and Bydgoszcz residents could admire a smaller version at a local exhibition in 1910. It received such positive reactions that Jewish banker Lewin Louis Aronsohn financed the original sculpture's acquisition for Bydgoszcz. On August 18, 1910, "Łuczniczka" was officially unveiled at Theater Square. However, the nude female figure drawing a bow was controversial, sparking debates about relocating the "scandalous" figure to a less prominent place. All attempts failed until it was deemed inappropriate for the future Monument of Gratitude to the Red Army Heroes. Although this monument was never built, in 1960, "Łuczniczka" was moved to guard the theater in its new location.
In celebration of the city's 667th birthday in 2013, a new sculpture, "Łuczniczka Nova," was installed near Opera Nova. This dynamic and sensual sculpture symbolizes the development and changes occurring in Bydgoszcz.
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