The historic palace in Wejherowo, erected in the 18th century as the seat of the Przebendowski family, is currently undergoing major renovation. The building, which has housed the Museum of Kashubian-Pomeranian Literature and Music for many years, will regain not only its historic appearance (including the sand-coloured facade), but also its full functionality thanks to modern technical solutions and improved conditions for storing the collections.
From a noble residence to a museum
The history of the palace dates back to the second half of the 18th century, when Ignacy Franciszek Przebendowski, then alderman of Puck and Mirachów, began building a new family residence in Wejherowo. The building was planned in a prestigious location: in the town gardens situated by the Cedron river, in the direct axis of the street exit from the market square. The construction work was interrupted by the First Partition of Poland, after which Przebendowski left the estate and moved to Warsaw. Shortly afterwards, the Wejherowo estate passed into the hands of the English merchant Alexander Gibson, and then after 1790 it passed to the German Keyserlingk family.
Wejherowo Palace – reconstructions
The final shape was given to the palace at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries by Otto Alexander von Keyserlingk, who completed the building in a different form than originally planned. Around the middle of the 19th century, Count Otton Archibald von Keyserlingk transformed the residence in a neo-Gothic spirit, which gave it the characteristic appearance it has retained to this day. The building’s elongated rectangular ground plan was enriched with two annexes and the facades gained stepped gables. One of the facades still bears the date of completion of the reconstruction – 1857.
Functions and deteriorating technical condition
After 1920, when Wejherowo became part of the reborn Polish state, the Keyserlingks continued to live in the palace. In 1945 the family left for Germany and the fate of Count Henry Keyserlingk – the last owner of the estate – remained unknown. In subsequent years, the palace served various functions: it housed a school for forestry workers, a boarding school, a kindergarten and, since 1995, a regional museum. Many years of inadequate repairs and intensive exploitation have left the building in a very poor technical condition.
Scope of conservation work
The current modernisation of the Museum of Kashubian Literature and Music began at the beginning of this year and covers a wide range of activities. The restoration of the parquet floors has already been completed, and work is underway on the roof, the insulation of the foundations and the façade. This will return to its original bright colour, which will be a major and visible change. In parallel, the fire, alarm and monitoring systems are being upgraded, as well as the replacement of doors. The project is being carried out thanks to the support of the Government Programme for the Reconstruction of Historical Monuments and the budget funds of the Wejherowski District.
Valuable discoveries under layers of plaster
A previous renovation brought a surprising discovery. During restoration work, wall paintings made in the Pompeian style were uncovered. The decorations depict elements of the Italian landscape, such as terraces, arcades or seaside landscapes. The paintings cover almost all the rooms in the palace and are of a high artistic standard, making them a unique find and also the subject of research by art historians.
Museum as a centre of Kashubian culture
The historic palace now houses one of the region’s most important cultural institutions. The Kashubian-Pomeranian Writing and Music Museum collects artefacts connected with the writing, music and culture of Pomerania and Kashubia. It is the only museum in the country to focus exclusively on the region’s literary and musical heritage. The collections include manuscripts, maps, old prints, social documents, numismatic collections and mementos of regional writers and activists.
Palace in Wejherowo – educational activities
The institution conducts not only exhibition and research activities, but also extensive educational and cultural activities. Literary competitions, meetings with artists, book promotions, concerts and conferences are organised. Thanks to the renovation work being carried out, the museum will gain improved storage conditions for its collections, as well as new organisational possibilities and greater comfort for visitors.
Source: Kadr na historia, turystyka.wejherowo.pl, dipp.info.pl
Read also: Monument | Renovation | Palace | Architecture in Poland | Villas and residences
