The Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University is the oldest facility of its kind in Poland. It was created in 1783 according to a design by Franciszek Kaiser and from the beginning it has served as a place of scientific research and popularisation of knowledge about nature. As a whole, it was entered in the register of monuments of the city of Krakow. One of the most important elements of the garden was the orangery, built in the 19th century to house exotic plants. The building was demolished almost 60 years ago and has recently been reconstructed.
The oldest botanical garden in Poland and the first orangery
The first palm house was established in 1882 on the initiative of Rafał Czerwiakowski, then director of the garden. The project was designed by the Viennese firm of A. Milde. The building had a rectangular ground plan measuring about 15.5 by 12.4 metres, and a brick entrance was added to its eastern part. The glazed hall was supported on a riveted truss structure and covered by a mansard roof with two spires. The entire structure reached a height of nearly 12 metres. In the basement there was a cooker to heat the interior and a fuel store.
The Jagiellonian University Orangery – alterations and demolition
Over time, the building was repeatedly modernised and raised due to the growth of plants, but lack of funds and unsuccessful reconstructions led to its disastrous technical condition. It was therefore decided to demolish the monument. In March 1969, the orangery was blown up. Only the brick part with portals and parts of the foundations survived.
Reconstruction of the orangery in the Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University
The decision to restore the palm house referring to its historical form was taken many years later. The project involved recreating the appearance of the 1882 building, while adapting it to modern technical and functional requirements. In addition to the reconstruction of the orangery itself, it was envisaged to modernise the preserved brick part and extend it with technical facilities, a conservatory, a terrace and infrastructure to facilitate access for people with disabilities.
Conservation and construction work
Construction work was carried out in such a way as to interfere minimally with the original, preserved part of the building. Surviving elements such as stone portals, stairs and parts of the woodwork were conserved. The new construction of the glass part of the orangery was made of steel tubes and aluminium profiles to ensure adequate strength and stability. As a result, the building has regained its former massing with a mansard roof, referring to the original design before the building was elevated.
The orangery in 1965 and 2025. Source: NAC – National Digital Archive www.nac.gov.pl and Adam Koprowski / Press Office UJ
Rebuilt orangery meets standards
The reconstruction also took into account modern ecological and technological standards. Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems were used here, heat pumps were employed and a rainwater recovery system for watering the plants was installed. The interiors were equipped with modern ventilation and air-conditioning solutions and LED lighting. Great importance has been attached to accessibility, with facilities for wheelchair users, Braille signage and adapted toilets.
Investment costs
The entire investment cost just under PLN 11 million, of which more than 6.7 million came from EU funds. The architectural design was prepared by Koliber Studio, and the general contractor was Mostostal Krakow. Thanks to these measures, the botanic garden has regained one of its most important historical buildings, and Krakow can now boast a magnificently restored orangery, which once again serves as a place for the presentation of unique flora.
Source: Koliber Studio
Photos: Filip Adamus
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Krakow | Metamorphosis | History | whiteMAD on Instagram
