The Wilhelm Ellis Rau Palace is an outstanding example of Neo-Renaissance architecture, designed by Leander Marconi for the Warsaw industrialist. The building, located at 27 Ujazdowskie Avenue on the corner of Piękna Street, is now the seat of the Swiss Embassy. The history of the palace, dating back to the 19th century, combines the splendour of the past with the dramatic events of the 20th century.
The origins and history of the Rau Palace
Wilhelm Rau, one of the founders of the Lilpop, Rau and Loewenstein metal works, hired the renowned architect Leander Marconi in 1865 to design a residence on his property in Ujazdowskie Avenue. Construction of the palace in the Italian Renaissance style lasted from 1866 to 1868. The façade of the building was distinguished by expressive risalits, porticoes with round balconies and rich sculptural ornamentation. In the corners of the front elevation, there were statues symbolising Architecture and Sculpture, made by Marconi himself, and statues of Painting and Mechanics by Andrzej Pruszyński. The decoration was complemented by a fountain and sculptural groups created by Ludwik Kucharzewski, and the interiors were decorated with paintings by Jan Strzałecki.
The palace of Wilhelm Ellis Rau in 1875. Source: National Museum in Warsaw
Wilhelm Ellis Rau Palace in the 20th century
In 1906 Maria Branicka née Sapieha became the owner of the palace. After her death in 1919, the building was inherited by her daughter Maria Radziwiłł. During this period, two wings were added on the garden side, expanding the structure of the building. During the interwar period, the palace was rented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served as the residence of Deputy Minister Jan Szembek. Unfortunately, the building burnt down in 1944. What remained of the impressive city residence were burnt-out walls, further damaged during the insurgent fighting.
Rebuilding as the Swiss Embassy
Between 1948 and 1949, the palace was rebuilt to a design by Szymon Syrkus and Swiss architect Hans Schmidt. In the course of the work, changes were made to the body of the building – the sculptures that originally adorned the facades were omitted, and the wings were enlarged and garages built between them, so that the garden facade was simplified. Since then, the palace has served as the headquarters of the Swiss embassy. In 1965, the building was entered in the register of historical monuments, ensuring its legal protection as an important testimony to history and architecture.
Source: polskiezabytki.pl
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Monument | Palace | History | Warsaw | Interesting facts
The building shortly after its completion and today. Source: Digital National Museum and WhiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
Rau Palace in 1900 and 2025. Source: Towarzystwo Opieki Nad Zabytkami Pastłości and WhiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
Side elevation just before the war and today. Source: National Archives in Warsaw and WhiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
