The National Museum revealed plans today for an estimated twenty million zloty renovation of the Sukiennice, the magnificent cloth hall that sweeps across the Main Market Square. Since 1883 the upper floors have housed a gallery of 18th and 19th century Polish paintings. Deteriorating conditions, poor ventilation and lack of wheelchair access have prompted calls for the overhaul, the results of which could be unveiled by the Summer of 2007.
Although the exhibition itself will not change, there will be some radical changes to the building itself if the National Museum's plans are approved. These would include the opening up of the terrace along the eastern facade of the Cloth Hall. This area would be converted into a cafe: perfectly perched over the square and with a fantastic view of St. Mary's Church.
Also included in the museum's plans is a multi-media room where art aficionados can explore the world of European painting on specially installed computers. Besides the general renovation of the interior halls themselves, extras will include a new shop and a proper reception facility.
Seventy-five per cent of the funds would come from EU funds, which has created a problematic situation with regards to the wheel-chair access rule. At present, the proposal for a lift would involve the partial destruction of the Cloth Hall's magnificent stone stairwell, an issue that is likely to inspire heated debate before the projects are officially approved.
Meanwhile, the plans of the entrepreneurial Likus family to restore the cellars beneath the Cloth Hall have been
thrown into disarray by leading conservators. However, the project is still ardently supported by Mayor Jacek Majchrowski so there is still hope for a breakthrough yet.
|