Palace on the Isle

The Palace on the Isle, also known as the Water Palace, is a Neoclassical residence located in Warsaw's Royal Baths Park (Łazienki Królewskie). It was constructed between 1772 and 1793 at the request of King Stanisław August Poniatowski. Originally built as a Baroque bathhouse pavilion in 1683–1689 by Tylman van Gameren for Marshal Lubomirski, it underwent a major reconstruction under the direction of architects Dominik Merlini and Jan Chrystian Kamsetzer. The palace stands on an artificial island surrounded by a pond and is connected to the mainland by two colonnaded bridges. Its surroundings include an amphitheater and a French-style garden. Historically, the palace served as the king’s summer residence and hosted important cultural events such as the famous "Thursday Dinners" and lavish balls. During World War II, it suffered significant damage, including deliberate destruction by German forces, which resulted in the loss of many valuable interiors and details. However, the palace was reconstructed between 1945 and 1965. Today, it is open to the public as a branch of the National Museum in Warsaw and serves as a venue for exhibitions and cultural events. In recent years, it has undergone restoration work, including structural reinforcement and the conservation of paintings and sculptures. Notable rooms include the Portrait Cabinet, the Ballroom, and the Chapel, all richly decorated with paintings and sculptural elements. The Palace on the Isle is not only an important architectural monument but also a key site in Polish cultural history.