Theme paths for viewing and special effects in the great rotunda, mapping and a multimedia show in the small rotunda, a modern bookshop and ticket office, the space without architectural barriers for persons with disabilities – these are only some of the changes resulting from the modernisation of the buildings housing the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice. The project has been financed with the funds provided by the European Union, the Ministry of Culture, National Heritage and Sport, and the Regional Government of Lower Silesia. The opening of the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice to the public will take place on 27 July 2021.
The project “Modernisation of the Buildings of the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice – stage III” is one of the largest investments undertaken in the exposition in Wrocław of the famous painting by Jan Styka and Wojciech Kossak.
During almost a year of work aimed at rearranging the area of the entrance hall, a new museum shop was created in the style corresponding to that of the bookshops located in the Four Domes Pavilion and in the main building of the National Museum in Wrocław, and changes were made to the position and look of the ticket office. The building has been fully adaptet to the needs of persons with disabilities.
Photo W. Rogowicz
A new look was also created for the small rotunda in which, in the form of mapping on a spatial maquette, visitors will be able to follow the proceedings of the battle of Racławice. A multimedia presentation displayed on a series of panoramic wall screens will provide detailed information about Tadeusz Kościuszko and other heroes of this battle, as well as the history of creating the famous picture.
In the great rotunda there will be available as usual the recorded commentary for viewers, but they will also be able to follow some newly created paths of viewing connected with the painting process, the city of the then Lwów (Lviv), panoramic path and a special one for the youngest visitors. The standard voice commentary is provided in 18 languages (with the newly included Polish Sign Language).
Part of the project work concerned providing improved safety in the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice, and adapting it to the current regulations. The system of permanent firefighting appliances protecting the canvas was replaced by sprinklers using high-pressure water mist. A new fire alarm system was installed, together with new emergency lighting to ensure the safety of both visitors and the Museum personnel. The modernised system of security cameras will aid monitoring of the entire the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice.
The general functionality of the building will also benefit from the modernised installations of central heating, electricity, ventilation and the network of structural wiring. Furthermore, the toilet facilities in the building have been completely restored and restructured.
All the project works were closely supervised by specialist conservation officers – from the regional conservation office for historic monuments (the building is listed in the Register of Historic Monuments of the Lower Silesia Region), and those selected for the specialist conservation and building work in the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice, as well as those employed in the National Museum in Wrocław.
Owing to the modernisation work, the pleasure and comfort of viewing the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice will be greater than ever before.
The project “Modernisation of the Buildings of the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice – stage III” was co-financed by the European Union as part of the Operational Programme Infrastructure and the Environment 2014–2020, Action 8.1. Protection of cultural heritage and development of cultural resources.
Total value of the project: 29 610 295.26 zł
Amount of co-financing from EFRR: 18 227 184.57 zł
Amount of co-financing from the state budget (targeted subsidy): 5 480 318.98 zł
Funds from the budget of the Lower Silesia Region: 5 404 641.71 zł
Own funds of the National Museum in Wrocław: 498 150.00 zł