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Discover the Sala Wilanowska Exhibition: A Historic Polish Aristocratic Library at the Palace of the Commonwealth

Explore 7,000 rare volumes and original 19th-century furnishings from a significant Polish cultural collection.

Delve into the Sala Wilanowska, an exhibition dedicated to the remarkable Wilanów Library collection. This display features over 7,000 centuries-old books, beautifully arranged on original 19th-century furniture. Learn about its founding by Ignacy and Stanisław Kostka Potocki, its survival through wartime, and its establishment as a permanent fixture within the Palace of the Commonwealth.

About Sala Wilanowska at Palace of the Commonwealth in Warsaw

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Sala Wilanowska at Palace of the Commonwealth in Warsaw

Exhibition summary

The Wilanów Hall presents over 7,000 volumes from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, displayed on original 19th-century furniture designed for the Wilanów Library. This exhibition showcases one of Poland's most distinguished aristocratic collections, detailing its history, preservation efforts through wartime, and its eventual establishment within the Palace of the Commonwealth.

Curatorial context

The Sala Wilanowska (Wilanów Hall) is dedicated to showcasing the significant Wilanów Library collection, comprising over 7,000 volumes from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. These books are arranged on original shelves and cabinets designed in the early 19th century specifically for the Wilanów Library, one of Poland's most beautiful and prominent aristocratic collections. Founded at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries at the Wilanów palace by Ignacy and Stanisław Kostka Potocki, the library's history is marked by its significant contribution to Polish cultural heritage. Despite substantial losses during World War II, including the destruction of valuable manuscripts and early prints by special Wehrmacht units, the original library furniture, globes, and other elements survived. The collection was later relocated to the Palace of the Republic after its reconstruction, forming a vital part of its permanent display. The hall also served as a set for Andrzej Wajda's film adaptation of Stefan Żeromski's "Ashes," further cementing its cultural relevance.

Admission and ticket notes

Information regarding ticketing and admission for the Sala Wilanowska exhibition is not explicitly provided on this page. Visitors are directed to the main website for general admission details, and specific exhibition entry requirements should be confirmed through official channels.

Sala Wilanowska key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Sala Wilanowska at Palace of the Commonwealth in Warsaw

Venue
Palace of the Commonwealth
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
Information not currently available
Artist line / attribution
The exhibition features works and furnishings associated with Ignacy and Stanisław Kostka Potocki, who were instrumental in founding the Wilanów Library.
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