Działyński Palace in Poznań

The Działyński Palace in Poznań, located at 78 Old Market Square, was built between 1773 and 1776 on the site of two earlier townhouses. Its first owner was Władysław Roch Gurowski, and in 1808 it passed into the hands of the Działyński family. The building boasts a Baroque eastern façade, divided by Corinthian pilasters, with an 18th-century attic featuring the Działyński coat of arms – Ogończyk – and figures of Roman legionaries. The attic is adorned with bas-reliefs depicting Roman processions, and at its top stands an obelisk with a pelican, a symbol of self-sacrifice. The palace played a significant cultural and political role during the partitions of Poland, serving as a venue for meetings and performances, which contributed to its status as an unofficial university, hosting lectures by prominent intellectuals. After World War II, the building was reconstructed, although it was not restored to its original state, as the western wing was omitted. The interiors, particularly the Red Hall, were meticulously restored, drawing inspiration from the decorations of the Royal Castle in Warsaw. Today, the palace houses scientific institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) and a branch of the Kórnik Library. In the garden, established in the 18th century, only three old trees remain, and while the garden itself is not accessible to visitors, it can be admired from the nearby Przemysł Hill. Two commemorative plaques are mounted on the building, honoring, among other things, the activities of the Democratic Club and its historical functions. The Działyński Palace is an important element of Poznań's cultural heritage, architectural solutions, and local history, attracting the attention of both residents and tourists.