The Museum of Palace Interiors in Choroszcz

The Museum of Palace Interiors in Choroszcz, a branch of the Podlasie Museum, is housed in the former summer palace of Hetman Jan Klemens Branicki. The history of the building dates back to the 1720s, when the palace was originally constructed; however, it was destroyed by fire in 1915 and rebuilt between 1962 and 1973. The museum's exhibition features palace interiors from the 18th and 19th centuries, showcasing the cultural richness of bygone eras. On the ground floor, furniture ranging from Baroque to Louis XVI style is displayed, while the upper floor houses furnished guest rooms. The halls contain paintings, mirrors, clocks, porcelain, sculptures, and other examples of artistic craftsmanship, offering an accessible insight into the art and culture of the period. The palace's architecture stands out with its two-story, rectangular form featuring semicircular corners and a high hipped roof, contributing to its elegant appearance. The façade is adorned with numerous details, such as busts and bas-reliefs, and the entire complex is surrounded by canals inspired by those at Versailles and a 25-hectare park, likely designed by the French architect Pierre Ricaud de Tirregaille. The park, with its intersecting canals and star-shaped alley layout, represents a unique composition in Poland, making the Museum of Palace Interiors not only an educational site but also a significant landmark on the cultural map of the region.