Krakow

Wyspiański Pavilion

  Pl. Wszystkich Świętych 2 ,   Old Town         17 Nov 2023

Following his work on St. Francis Basilica, Stanisław Wyspiański was commissioned to design a triptych of windows for Wawel Cathedral. He chose to do portraits of three figures from Polish history: Henryk Pobożny (a 13th century ruler killed in battle with the Mongols), King Kazimierz the Great (14th century ruler remembered as one of PL’s ‘greatest’) and St. Stanisław (11th century Bishop of Kraków and patron saint of PL). Martyrs Henryk (on the left when outside the building) and Stanisław (on the right) are shown at the moment of their deaths, while Kazimierz's bare skull bears the royal crown - a vision based on what Wyspiański saw when present at the opening of the king’s casket 600 years after his death. Deemed too grotesque and controversial at the time, the project was shelved for some 100 years before Piotr Ostrowski of the Kraków Stained Glass Museum created windows using Wyspiański’s original designs for the first time, and a building specifically for displaying them was erected here in 2007.

Curious for its facade of ceramic tiles which rotate to adjust the light, and for the fact that it is otherwise poorly suited for the display of stained glass (facepalm), this very slim building requires visitors to enter its narrow corridor to see the windows illuminated during the day. When open it is worth entering, however, as this building also hosts Kraków Story - a store that sells products, gifts and souvenirs exclusively made by Cracovian brands and artists (notably in contrast to the Cloth Hall).

Amenities

Facilities for disabled

Open

Open 09:00-20:00.

Comments

Connect via social media
google sign in button
Leave a comment using your email This e-mail address is not valid
Please enter your name*

Please share your location

Enter your message*
Put our app in your pocket
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here. AGREE
Top