The Chinese Gazebo in Jabłonna, one of the most recognisable features of the 18th-century palace and park complex, has been comprehensively restored following years of neglect. The restoration, completed in 2026, has restored it to its historic appearance, once again highlighting the unique character of the park designed by Szymon Bogumił Zug.
Over recent years, the pavilion had gradually fallen into disrepair: the pagoda-style roof was collapsing, the structure was losing its stability, and the decorations were fading due to damp. The structure, once popular with tourists and school trips, had become a neglected feature of the park in need of urgent conservation work.
The history of the site and the origins of this garden gem
The Chinese Gazebo was built in 1782 as part of a new landscape park designed by Szymon Bogumił Zug on commission from Michał Poniatowski. The brother of King Stanisław August acquired Jabłonna in 1773 and soon began transforming the estate into an elegant residence. Dominik Merlini drew up the plans for the palace, whilst Zug devised the concept for the park, which included, amongst other features, a grotto, a conservatory and a Chinese pavilion.
The gazebo, with a roof styled after a Chinese pagoda and a distinctive spire featuring a dragon, reflected the fashion for oriental decorative motifs, which was popular in European gardens during the second half of the 18th century. Its form was intended to introduce an element of the exotic into the composition, emphasising the ceremonial character of the entire complex.
War damage and post-war reconstruction
In 1944, the palace in Jabłonna was burnt down by German troops, and the entire estate suffered severe damage. After it was taken over by the State Treasury in 1946, reconstruction of the residence began according to a design by Mieczysław Kuźma, whilst the park was restored in accordance with a concept by Gerard Ciołek. During this period, the Chinese Gazebo was also restored, using Zug’s surviving plans.
Since 1953, the palace and park complex has been under the care of the Polish Academy of Sciences, which operates a Conference and Meeting Centre here. It is the Polish Academy of Sciences that is responsible for the most recent restoration of the gazebo, carried out in response to its progressive deterioration.
This is what the gazebo looked like BEFORE the renovation work began:
The restoration has restored its former character
At the turn of 2025 and 2026, comprehensive conservation work worth over 400,000 zł was carried out. The construction work was undertaken by the Warsaw-based company MAXBUD, which specialises in the restoration of historic buildings. The entire structure of the pavilion was rebuilt, including the plasterwork, roof, terrace and decorations, which have been restored to their original appearance. Details inspired by Far Eastern art were also restored, ensuring that the gazebo once again appears in accordance with its historical design.
On 26 May 2026, a ceremony marking the opening of the restored Chinese Gazebo took place at the Palace in Jabłonna. The structure, one of the finest examples of garden architecture from the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, has once again been opened to the public. The restoration marks an important stage in the conservation of the historic palace and park complex and highlights Jabłonna’s significance as a site of exceptional historical value.
Today, the Chinese Gazebo once again serves as a striking feature within the park’s layout, serving as a reminder of the days when Jabłonna was one of the most elegant country estates in Mazovia.
photos: PAN
source: PAN, edited by the editorial team
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