The buildings at 272 Grochowska Street in Warsaw, which are over 120 years old, have regained their long-lost splendour. A few days ago, the first phase of work on the complex of buildings, which houses Sinfonia Varsovia, was completed. The spaces in the restored main building and the two pavilions of the former veterinary college are now dedicated to music, education and the arts.
Sinfonia Varsovia on the former campus
The Neo-Renaissance complex in Kamionek was built between 1898 and 1900 to a design by Vladimir Pokrovsky. The imposing main building, the side pavilions and the garden surroundings resembled a palatial complex, yet from the outset they served the purposes of education. In 1901, the Warsaw Veterinary Institute moved in. Later, the complex was managed by the University of Warsaw, and since 1952 by the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW). During the Second World War, the buildings were used as a hospital. Although the buildings were not destroyed, over the years much of the original façade decoration was lost. The five oldest buildings were listed as historic monuments in 2008. A year later, the city purchased the properties, and in 2010 they became the orchestra’s headquarters.
Sinfonia Varsovia by Atelier Thomas Pucher
The international architectural competition for the major refurbishment project for Sinfonia Varsovia was decided in 2010. From among 138 entries, the jury selected the proposal by Atelier Thomas Pucher from Graz. Throughout the project, Grupa 5 Architekci is acting as the local architect, responsible for design supervision and obtaining the necessary permits. The first phase of works ran from 2023 to 2026 and focused on the underground infrastructure and the three historic buildings at the front. As part of the works, their façades were restored, bringing back their historic décor. The restored ornamentation once again highlights this magnificent Neo-Renaissance architecture. The site of the future garden has also been partially developed, and the foundations have been laid for the openwork framework surrounding the park and the Kiss and Ride drop-off area on Terespolska Street.
19th-century historic buildings with restored interiors
In contrast to the façades, the interiors have retained, amongst other things, marble staircases, a wrought-iron balustrade with floral motifs, floor tiles dating from 1900, and doors over a century old. During the refurbishment, the historic joinery was restored and missing sections of the balustrade were replaced. In selected rooms, smoked oak flooring was installed, the dark colour of which echoes the original finish. The work also led to the discovery of old painted decorations beneath later layers on the walls of the SGGW auditorium. Meanwhile, the former anatomical theatre, where students used to observe animal dissections, now serves as an exhibition space.
The institution invites you to its grand reopening
The refurbished buildings house two small concert halls and spaces dedicated to music education. Until the entire project is completed, they will also be used by the orchestra’s musicians for practice and rehearsals. Ultimately, the complex is also set to include a café, a restaurant and a bookshop. The ‘Sinfonia Varsovia – New Opening’ festival, scheduled for 11–27 September this year, will mark the inauguration of the modernised venues. The public will therefore be able to visit the restored historic buildings even before the completion of the largest musical venue on the site of the former university. The large concert hall will be built during the next phase of the project.
Sinfonia Varsovia looks forward to the large hall
The main hall will seat 1,877 people, and the concentric auditorium will surround the stage. Müller-BBM and Eckhard Kahle Acoustics are working on the venue’s acoustics. Tall windows will allow views of the interior from the spacious foyer. A chamber hall with around 400 seats, rehearsal rooms and artists’ facilities will also be built. Two northern annexes are also due to be renovated, whilst the openwork frame will be enhanced by a footbridge at a height of 21 metres, offering views of the surrounding area and the centre of Warsaw. Visitors will be able to walk freely through the frame, suspended almost four metres above the ground, to reach the public garden. This phase is scheduled for completion in 2030.
Developer: Sinfonia Varsovia
Architect: Atelier Thomas Pucher
Local architect: Grupa 5 Architekci
Photographs: Michał Łukasik
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