A small town in Poland has extended an ambitious invitation to Elon Musk, imploring the world's richest man to establish his European headquarters in its 13th-century castle.
Residents of Głogówek—population 5,592—want the billionaire entrepreneur to invest part of his $426 billion in renovating the structure. Mayor Piotr Bujak said Tuesday that he posted the offer on X, formerly Twitter, Musk's social media platform, and sent formal letters to Musk's companies advocating for the move. He has not yet responded.
Newsweek has reached out to Musk via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Musk has been reported to be searching for a castle to serve as a hub for his European operations. Media speculation suggested Italy as a possible location, but Bujak believes Głogówek's accessibility––close to major cities like Berlin, Vienna and Prague––could sway Musk's decision. The site also has enough space to accommodate a helicopter landing pad.
While his companies have yet to comment on Głogówek's offer, Musk's involvement in European affairs remains a subject of scrutiny.
What To Know
The Głogówek Castle, which was the temporary capital of Poland in the 17th century, has seen a host of notable residents, including composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The town, nestled in southwestern Poland, near the Czechia border, is surrounded by a long-standing winemaking tradition and picturesque landscapes that rival Tuscany, according to Bujak.
The castle, owned by the town of Głogówek, is in need of a private investor to fund extensive renovations. The investment would not only restore the medieval structure but also repurpose it into a state-of-the-art facility for Musk's enterprises. It once belonged to the Opole Piasts, part of Poland's first ruling dynasty, until the early 16th century,
Musk's history of bold projects aligns with the challenge of transforming the historic castle. However, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO's recent actions in Europe––such as supported Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party—drew backlash from European leaders concerned about extremism and misinformation on X.
What People Are Saying
Głogówek Mayor Piotr Bujak: "We do not feel worse than Tuscany. We have a perfect climate and this is the best place on Earth. The castle has a very good vibe and is a perfect location for great things."
What Happens Next
With the castle's future in limbo, Bujak remains hopeful that Głogówek could become the site of Musk's next project.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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