The Łazienki Palace is located in a large park with many lakes and pavilions in south Warsaw. From 1674 the land and the nearby Ujazdów Castle belonged to Stanisław Herakliusz Lubomirski, who built a Baroque Bath House named ‘Łazienka’.
History of Łazienki Palace
The building, erected on a square plan, was richly decorated with stuccos, statues, and paintings; some of the original décors survive in the Bath Room and in Bacchus’ Room. In 1766 King Stanisław II Augustus Poniatowski bought the estate and decided to convert the pavilion into a summer residence.
A second story was added in 1776, the south façade was reconstructed in 1784; the north façade), lateral wings, and a belvedere were completed in 1788; and lateral pavilions with colonnades were added between 1792 and 1793. The design was clearly influenced by such early French Neo-classical buildings as the Petit Trianon, and Versailles, but links with the style of late Baroque garden pavilions can also be seen. The interiors, and especially the Ballroom, are among the best produced under the patronage of Stanisław.
Lazienki Palace was destroyed in 1944 and totally rebuilt after World War II. It is considered one of the most outstanding examples of Neo-classicism in Central Europe.
The King also commissioned the construction of several smaller palaces and pavilions in the park. The White House was influenced by the architecture of Jean-François de Neufforge. The interiors were painted by Jan Bogumił Plersz; the design of the Dining Room is one of the earliest Polish examples of decoration derived from ancient and Renaissance grotesque paintings.
The Myślewicki Palace is a characteristic example of early Polish Neo-classicism, with spatial arrangements based on the Palladian tradition and decorative motifs of interiors and façades derived from the Antique.
The Old Orangery has a very well-preserved royal theatre in the east wing, with paintings by Jan Bogumił Plersch. The Amphitheatre is an outstanding example of architecture inspired by austere ancient forms. The stage, situated on an island in the lake, was modeled on the Temple of Jupiter in Baalbek.
Łazienki Palace Visitor Information
Łazienki Palace Museum is open for visits. Guided tours are available in English but you need to make an appointment at least 3 days before the visit.
Historical objects of the Museum
Palace on the Isle
Old Orangery
Myślewicki Palace
Officer Cadets School
White Pavilion
Visit the official website to find more information regarding the opening hours, ticket prices, and tours.
Guide service reservation:
tel. (022) 5060 028
fax. (022) 5060 147
Łazienki Palace Location
Łazienki Palace address: Agrykoli 1, 00-460 Warszawa, Poland. Get help with directions using the map provided below: