Zespół pałacowo-parkowy w Oborach
Dwór w 2012 roku. Fot. Jarosław Manicki, CC BY-SA 3.0 PL, via Wikimedia Commons

The Starak Family Foundation and Renzo Piano breathe new life into the palace and park complex in Obory

on 17 October 2023, representatives of the Starak Family Foundation met with the authorities and residents of the municipality of Konstancin-Jeziorna to present ambitious plans for the revitalisation of one of the local monuments, the palace and park complex in Obory. The project involves comprehensively restoring the splendour of the former Potulicki estate and giving it new cultural and educational functions. Also planned is the construction of a museum to be designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano, winner of the Pritzker Prize.

The palace and park complex in Obory is an exceptional example of well-preserved manor house architecture from the 17th century. It was built between 1681 and 1688 as a Baroque country residence, probably to a design by Tylman of Gameren or his pupil. The building is distinguished by its broken Polish roof (of the Krakow variety) and the Wielopolski family’s coat of arms, Starykoń, placed above the entrance door. The manor house was a meeting place for Jan Wielopolski, Great Chancellor of the Crown, with Jan III Sobieski from nearby Wilanów. In the 18th century, Urszula Wielopolska of the Potocki family modernised the building, changing the roof to a mansard and adding Rococo ornaments.

The manor house in Obory in the 1920s. Source: Palaces and Mansions near Warsaw

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In the 19th century, the next and last owners of the estate – the Potulicki family – rebuilt the interiors and added a chapel. During the German occupation, the authorities removed them from the estate for their participation in the Warsaw Uprising. After World War II, the complex became the property of the state and for years it was the seat of the House of Creative Work of the Union of Polish Writers. In 2015, the manor returned to the hands of the heirs, and in 2020 it became the property of the Starak Family Foundation.

Zespół pałacowo-parkowy w Oborach
Palace in 1968. The photo comes from the weekly Stolica no 14-15 (1061-1062) 07-14.04.1968

The brick, single-storey building with a residential attic is characterised by a two-tract interior layout with a central hall, vestibule and staircase. Inside, there is stylish furniture and numerous preserved decorations and elements such as fireplaces and portals, emphasising the historic character of the building.

Zespół pałacowo-parkowy w Oborach
Interior of the living room, 1960s Photo taken from the weekly Stolica no. 14-15 (1061-1062) 07-14.04.1968

The Starak Family Foundation intends to breathe new life into the historic complex, which includes not only the palace, but also a landscaped park, an outbuilding, a former stable, a brewery and a granary. The project includes the renovation of the manor house and accompanying buildings, restoring the historic appearance and functionality of the historic buildings. A museum is also planned, to be designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano, winner of the Pritzker Prize.

Zespół pałacowo-parkowy w Oborach
Dwór in 2012. Photo by Jarosław Manicki, CC BY-SA 3.0 PL, via Wikimedia Commons

The development of the landscaped park will include the care of the trees and the preservation of natural monuments, while creating a cultural and educational space. Artistic events, workshops and meetings for the local community are planned in the park, underlining the Foundation’s commitment to the social and cultural development of the region. All activities will be carried out taking into account conservation requirements and in close cooperation with local authorities.

Zespół pałacowo-parkowy w Oborach
Palace annex in 2015. Photo by Jadamta, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Realising the ambitious plans requires cooperation with the Mazovian conservationist and an amendment to the 2009 Local Development Plan, which currently prohibits new construction on the site. The Foundation has ensured that it is open to dialogue with local authorities and residents of the municipality.

Zespół pałacowo-parkowy w Oborach
Palace Park. Photo by Albertyanks Albert Jankowski, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Starak Family Foundation, founded in 2008, focuses on supporting talented young people and promoting contemporary art. The revitalisation of the palace and park complex in Obory is another step towards protecting cultural heritage and making it accessible to the community. The planned activities will help to restore the historical site to its rightful importance and create a modern space for the development of culture and education. The Foundation has announced further meetings with residents to keep them updated on the progress of the work and answer questions.

Source: konstancinjeziorna.pl, zabytek.pl

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