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Discover Głaz Jastrzębowskiego: The 1828 Sundial in Warsaw's Royal Łazienki Park

Learn about Wojciech Jastrzębowski's ingenious gnomograph and this ancient glacial erratic boulder's scientific purpose.

The Głaz Jastrzębowskiego is a fascinating scientific instrument and historical artifact located within the beautiful Royal Łazienki Park in Warsaw. Created by Wojciech Jastrzębowski in 1828, this unique sundial is meticulously carved into a massive glacial erratic boulder. It not only tells time but also reflects the astronomical interests of the 19th century and the ingenuity of its creator, a renowned naturalist and educator. Visitors can explore its detailed markings and learn about its historical significance near the Old Orangery.

About Głaz Jastrzębowskiego at Royal Łazienki Museum in Warsaw

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Głaz Jastrzębowskiego at Royal Łazienki Museum in Warsaw

Exhibition summary

This page details the 'Głaz Jastrzębowskiego' (Jastrzębowski Boulder), a unique sundial created by Wojciech Jastrzębowski in 1828. Located on a slope above the Old Orangery, it is carved into a massive glacial erratic boulder, likely the oldest protected erratic boulder in Warsaw.

Curatorial context

The 'Głaz Jastrzębowskiego' is a significant sundial located on the slope above the Old Orangery in Royal Łazienki Park. The sundial itself was created by Wojciech Jastrzębowski (1799-1882), a professor at the Institute of Agronomy and Forestry in Marymont. In 1828, he meticulously carved hourly lines and lines for mean solar time onto the surface of a large glacial erratic boulder. This monumental boulder, brought by the ice sheet, was found during the establishment of the Botanical Garden and is considered likely the oldest protected glacial erratic boulder in Warsaw. Jastrzębowski utilized a special instrument he invented, known as a gnomograph or 'Polish compass,' to precisely mark the timekeeping lines and install an iron gnomon pointing towards the celestial axis. The sundial was intended not only to indicate time but also to assist in determining the positions of celestial bodies, aligning with its proximity to the Astronomical Observatory established in 1825. Wojciech Jastrzębowski was a naturalist and educator, with interests spanning botany, zoology, physics, and horticulture. His contribution to horology and geology makes this sundial a focal point of scientific and historical interest within the park.

Głaz Jastrzębowskiego key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Głaz Jastrzębowskiego at Royal Łazienki Museum in Warsaw

Venue
Royal Łazienki Museum
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
Information not currently available
Artist line / attribution
The sundial was created by Wojciech Jastrzębowski (1799-1882), a professor, naturalist, and educator.
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