Karol Scheibler's Palace

The Karol Scheibler Palace is a neo-Renaissance building constructed in 1856 in Łódź, designed by Jan Karol Mertsching. After its first renovation in 1865, it underwent significant changes between 1884 and 1887 under the direction of Warsaw architect Edward August Lilpop, commissioned by Karol's widow, Anna Scheibler. The palace stands out for its neo-Renaissance structure and eclectic interiors, with notable spaces including the study, the mirror hall, and the neo-Mannerist dining room. These rooms feature valuable stoves, wood paneling, paintings, and original furniture, while the study houses a unique Venetian mosaic by Antonio Salviati. Although the furnishings of the private apartments on the first floor have not survived, the palace now serves as the Museum of Cinematography, which opened in 1986. The building has witnessed numerous transformations, including its conversion into the headquarters of the Łódź University of Technology immediately after World War II. The palace was designated a historical monument in 2015 and has frequently appeared in films such as "The Promised Land" and "Inland Empire." Additionally, the palace was home to notable figures, including General Feliks Maciszewski and Jerzy Scheibler, and during World War II, it hosted various events related to the occupation. Thanks to its architectural diversity and rich history, the Karol Scheibler Palace remains an important part of Łódź's cultural heritage.