The history of the Palace began on April 23, 1677, when a village became the property of King John Sobieski III. At the beginning, the residence built there was small. Augustyn Locci, the king’s court architect, received the task of creating only a ground floor residence of a layout typical for the buildings of the republic of Poland. However, military successes and an increase of the importance of royalty in the coming years had a huge influence on expanding the initial project. Huge construction works were conducted in the years 1677-1696. After completion, the building comprised of elements of a nobility house, an Italian garden villa and a French palace in the style of Louis XIV. After the death of the King, the Palace became the property of his sons, and in 1720, a run down property was purchased by one of the wealthiest women in Poland of those days – Elizabeth Sieniawska. In 1730, the Palace, for three years, was owned by king August II the Strong, who made considerable changes in the residence, particularly as far as the internal décor is concerned.
In the middle of 18th century, the Wilanów property was inherited by the daughter of Czartoryski, wife of a field marshal, Izabela Lubomirska, during whose reign, Wilanów started shining with its previous glory. Sixty nine years later, the Duchess gave Wilanów to her daughter and her husband, Stanislaw Kostka Potocki. Thanks to his efforts, one of the first museums in Poland was opened in the Wilanów Palace, in 1805.
The exposition consists of two parts: on the first floor, there is the GALLERY OF THE POLISH PORTRAIT, where you can see the effigies of the Polish monarchs collected over the centuries, representatives of great magnate families, participants of national uprisings, eminent artists and people honored by Poland. Their authors are often prominent Polish and foreign painters.
After visiting The Gallery of Polish Portraits, you will be able to see the royal apartments of the palace. Rooms where parties took place, chambers where the royal couples listened to music, met their friends and guests, and where they worked and rested.
The Wilanów Park forms an integral part of the Wilanów Palace and Gardens. Perfect for a pleasant walk, it is a destination of choice for Varsovians seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Every year, the Park attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world.
Opening Hours
The Palace
MON, WED, THU, FRI 9AM - 4PM (last entrance at 3PM)
SAT 10AM - 4PM (last entrance at 3PM)
In the summer season (from mid-May until mid-September):
MON, WED 9AM - 6PM (last entrance at 5PM)
THU, FRI 9AM - 4PM (last entrance 3PM)
SAT 10AM - 4PM (last entrance at 3PM)
SUN 9:30AM - 7PM (last entrance 6PM)
On Tuesdays the Palace is closed to visitors.
The Park
Open daily from 9:30AM until dusk throughout the year.
Entrance Fees
The Palace
Tours in Polish
Regular: PLN 20,-
Discounted: PLN 10,-
Groups: PLN 100,- (for groups of up to and including 5)
Tours in foreign language:
Regular: PLN 25,-
Groups: PLN 135,- (for groups of up to and including 5)
Every Saturday admission free, limited number of tickets, individual visitors only.
The Park
Regular: PLN 4,5,-
Discounted: PLN 2,5,-
Tours in Polish
Regular: PLN 7,-
Discounted: PLN 4,-
Tours in foreign language:
Regular: PLN 15,-
Groups: PLN 80,- (for groups of up to and including 5)
Every Thursday admission free.
Contacts & Reservations
S. Kostki Potockiego 10/16
T: (+48 22) 842 0795
F: (+48 22) 842 0795
www.wilanow-palac.art.pl
Opening hours:
MON, WED, THU, FRI 9AM - 4PM
SAT 10AM - 4PM
For groups, please book tickets at least one month in advance.
