Empire State Building finally lights up for European nation’s Independence Day – after years-long snub

This glowing tribute was decades in the making.

The Empire State Building lit up in celebration of Polish Independence Day on Monday night for the first time, after years of lobbying to green-light the cultural display, The Post has learned.

Red and white LED lights were switched on at Manhattan skyscraper by Polish soccer star Robert Lewandowski at 10 p.m. Polish time, ahead of the country’s national day Tuesday.

“After many years, this long-awaited tribute, falling on the same date as Veterans Day, honors both Poland’s historic fight for freedom and the shared values our nations celebrate,” said Kosciuszko Foundation President Marek Skulimowski to The Post, crediting both Lewandowski and the Polish Consulate in New York for making the display possible.

“For Polish Americans across New York City, seeing the Empire State Building shine in our colors is a moment of pride and recognition.”

A Post request for comment from the Empire State Realty Trust was not returned.

The light display came after several City Council members demanded the tribute in a 2024 letter to the trust. They were met with multiple denials from the organization that decides on the lighting schedule for the famous Manhattan skyscraper.

Polish-Americans represent nearly 2% of all New Yorkers, according to US Census data, with the Big Apple serving as the home of one of the largest Polish hubs in the nation.

In a statement to The Post, Councilman Bob Holden’s office credited itself with the breakthrough after coordinating an April meeting between Empire State Realty Trust’s CEO and chairman and Poland Consul General Mateusz Sakowicz. 

“Tonight, for the first time in years, the Empire State Building will shine in white and red for Polish Independence Day. This is long overdue,” Holden said.

“I’m honored to have helped make this happen, and I want to thank everyone who worked tirelessly to finally get this done. A proud night for the Polish community and for New York City.”

The Empire State Building has a storied history of “changing the color of the lights to recognize important occasions, holidays, and organizations throughout the year” since 1976, according to its website.

Its LED lights glowed in celebration of foreign independence days for Mexico, Ukraine and Colombia in 2024 alone.