Management said the renovation is urgently needed to upgrade the museum’s infrastructure, improve inclusivity and ensure full accessibility for visitors with mobility impairments.
The museum is housed in a Baroque palace that was destroyed by German forces during World War II and later reconstructed. It reopened in its current form in 2010, marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of composer Fryderyk Chopin.
Since then, advances in museum technology have made a comprehensive overhaul necessary, officials said.
The renovation will introduce new exhibition themes and cutting-edge technologies, including virtual reality.
The eastern terrace will be opened to visitors, including outside museum hours, while the western terrace will be converted into a quiet zone shielded from street noise. Upgrades to the lighting system are also planned.
Andrzej Kosowski, deputy director of the National Chopin Institute, acknowledged that closing the museum for an entire year would disappoint visitors.
"However, this was the best option, allowing us to reopen in 2027, the centenary year of the International Chopin Piano Competition, and ahead of its 20th edition in 2030," he said.
Admission to the museum will be free on December 29, 30 and 31.
During the closure, selected exhibits will be displayed at museums abroad, including the Suzhou Museum in China and the Maison de George Sand in Nohant and the Musée George Sand–La Châtre in France.
The Chopin Museum’s collection includes the composer's autograph manuscripts, letters, documents, photographs, personal memorabilia and works of art.
The renovation will not affect the Chopin birthplace museum in Żelazowa Wola, about 55 km west of Warsaw, which will remain open, officials said.
(mk/gs)