Ostrogski Castle in Warsaw

Ostrogski Castle, also known as the Ordynacki Palace, is located at 41 Tamka Street in Warsaw and boasts a rich history dating back to the end of the 16th century, when Janusz Ostrogski began its construction. After his death, ownership of the estate passed to various noble families, including the Zasławskis and the Denhoffs. In 1681, Jan Krzysztof Gniński commissioned Tylman van Gameren to design the palace, but due to high construction costs, the project was limited to a single freestanding pavilion, which became a distinctive feature of Warsaw’s skyline. The palace later came into the possession of the Zamoyski family, and its name "Ordynacki Palace" is associated with this period. During the 18th century, the property changed hands multiple times and fell into ruin before being purchased by Michał Gajewski in 1820, who restored it. In the 19th century, it served as the seat of the Warsaw Music Institute, continuing Warsaw’s musical traditions, where renowned composers, among others, taught. The palace did not survive World War II intact but was rebuilt in 1953 and handed over to the Fryderyk Chopin Institute, preserving its historical appearance. Today, the building houses the Fryderyk Chopin Museum and a concert hall, while next to the palace stands a fountain with a sculpture of the Golden Duck, referencing a local urban legend. Ostrogski Castle features architecture with strong influences of classicizing Baroque, complete with a risalit and a terrace adorned with a balustrade. Its interiors blend elements of late Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassicism, making it an important architectural and cultural landmark in Warsaw.