The National Museum is implementing a project to create a Museum of Residents in Poznań’s Old Market Square. The investment, supported by funding exceeding PLN 56 million, is based on extensive conservation and adaptation works in the historic tenement houses at numbers 42 and 43.
The Museum of Residents will transform the Old Market Square
Poznań’s Old Market Square will gain an additional function thanks to funds obtained from the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and Environment 2021-2027 programme. The entire project is worth PLN 88.1 million and includes the restoration of the tenement houses at 42 and 43 Old Market Square and the modernisation of the building at 22/23 Klasztorna Street. The aim of the investment is to make spaces that have been marginalised in recent years available to residents and visitors.
Tenement houses 42 and 43 come back to life
The historic tenement houses at 42/43, dating from the first half of the 15th century, are among the oldest burgher houses in Poznań. As one of the few buildings on the Old Market Square, they managed to survive World War II without major damage. Until recently, their ground floors were occupied by restaurants, while the upper floors remained unused for a long time. The work, which began last year, focuses on a thorough restoration of the facades and interiors. Contamination has already been removed from the facades facing the market square, the rustication has been restored, damaged sections of the plinths have been knocked down and the target colour scheme has been determined. In the spring, conservators will return to work on the details, including the sgraffito in tenement house No. 42 and the medallions decorating the neighbouring building.
Museum of Residents – scope of work
The scope of work also includes the conservation of stone elements such as floors, stairs, balustrades, portals and window sills. In addition, the plasterwork, vaults and polychrome ceilings will be renovated, and all wooden elements will undergo careful restoration. The windows of the tenement houses will be equipped with filters to protect the interiors from UV and IR radiation. As part of the adaptation of the facilities to contemporary standards, a lift will be installed to improve the accessibility of the Museum of Residents for people with special needs.
Exhibition of the new facility
The restored interiors will house an exhibition devoted to the history of Poznań as seen through the eyes of its residents. The tenement houses on the Old Market Square will become a place of narration about the everyday life of Poznań residents over the centuries, based on the rich collections of the National Museum. Educational activities aimed at various audiences are also planned.
The Museum of Residents and its fate
Plans to create the Museum of Residents have been around in Poznań for years, but they were blocked by a lack of funds. The breakthrough came in 2024, with the award of European funding. The tender procedure for the selection of a contractor for the next stages of work is currently underway. The entire process will take several years, and the opening of the exhibition is planned for autumn 2027.
Source: poznan.eska.pl, mnp.art.pl
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