Also known as the Krasiński Palace, this Baroque masterpiece was constructed between 1677 and 1695 for the Krasiński family of magnates and is hailed as the finest example of Baroque architecture in Poland.
The palace suffered extensive damage during World War II, but was meticulously reconstructed in the early 1960s. Since then, it has housed the National Library's collection of invaluable manuscripts and relics of Poland’s historical heritage.
Following a recent revitalization project, visitors will now have the opportunity to view around 200 items spanning 13 centuries of Polish history. Highlights include the "Kazania świętokrzyskie" (Holy Cross Sermons), the oldest surviving text in the Polish language, the autograph manuscript of Renaissance poet Jan Kochanowski, and manuscript copies of Chopin’s "Concerto in F minor" and Henryk Mikołaj Górecki’s iconic "Symphony of the Sorrowful Songs." Also on display is the original score of Krzysztof Komeda’s "Lullaby" from Roman Polański’s film "Rosemary’s Baby."
Other treasures from the National Library’s collection include autograph manuscripts by renowned Polish writers such as Adam Mickiewicz, Juliusz Słowacki, Cyprian Kamil Norwid, Bolesław Prus, Henryk Sienkiewicz, Czesław Miłosz, and Zbigniew Herbert.
The palace will also host two upcoming temporary exhibitions focusing on Miłosz and Herbert, scheduled for June and October, respectively.
The Palace of the Commonwealth will be open six days a week, closed only on Tuesdays.
(mk/jh)
Source: IAR