Initially opened in 1909, it has been since redeveloped into a mixed-use retail and commercial facility with offices, bookstores, elegant bars and gourmet restaurants.

[3] By the end of the 19th century Warsaw's continuous expansion and rising population necessitated a large enclosed market hall, which would provide better sanitary conditions.

[9][10] The exterior was decorated with sculptures and carved cartouches featuring the mermaid, a symbol of Warsaw, and animal or food-related themes.

The building was considered extremely modern for its time and possessed all the necessary conveniences; the steel-framed arcade had booths and cubicles specifically designed for each individual trade – butchers were provided with marble tabletops for cutting meat, fishmongers with pools and grocers were equipped with cold rooms and coolers.

[10] The building was damaged and burnt in the Second World War, particularly during the Warsaw Uprising, but its steel frame prevented the entire structure from collapsing.

[19] The venue inside offers restaurants specializing in haute cuisine, bars, pubs, cafeterias, bookstores and designer shops.