Pałac Działyńskich, Poznań

Palace in Poznań

CC BY-SA 4.0 / MOs810

The Pałac Działyńskich, located at Stary Rynek 78/79, is an elegant Baroque‑Classicist residence built between 1773 and 1776 for Władysław Roch Gurowski. Designed by architect Antoni Höhne, the palace stands on the site of two former medieval townhouses. Its richly decorated western façade fronts the Old Market Square, featuring Corinthian pilasters, a sculpted tympanum bearing the Działyński Ogończyk coat‑of‑arms, and an attic frieze displaying triumphant and sacrificial scenes. Atop it perches a symbolic pelican sculpture—emblematic of sacrifice and national hope.

From 1808 until 1872, the palace belonged to the prestigious Działyński family, who transformed it into a vibrant cultural and educational centre under foreign rule. During the era of partitions, it hosted public lectures by Polish scholars, exhibitions, dramatic performances, and charitable events. In 1924, Władysław Zamoyski donated the palace to the state, establishing the “Zakłady Kórnickie” foundation and ensuring its legacy within nationalist and academic life.

After being destroyed by fire in 1945, the Pałac Działyńskich was thoughtfully reconstructed between 1953 and 1957 under architect Aleksander Holas. While some original wings were simplified, key interior spaces—especially the ornate Red Hall—were faithfully restored. This elegant chamber opens onto a balcony stretching the full width of the façade and features stucco statues of medieval Polish monarchs, including Władysław Łokietek, Casimir the Great, Władysław Jagiełło, and Vytautas, recreated in the early 1990s.

Today, the palace houses a branch of the prestigious Kórnik Library of the Polish Academy of Sciences, serving as a cultural venue where exhibitions, concerts, and academic events take place. The palace’s architectural grandeur, historical associations, and central location make it not just a visual highlight on Poznań’s Old Market Square, but also a meaningful space celebrating the region’s cultural and intellectual heritage.

The Pałac Działyńskich appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Poznań!

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