According to the past palace plans, orangeries were usually used for growing and winter storage of exotic plants not resistant to cold temperatures. This was also the original function of the Orangery building, located in the northern part of the Wilanów garden. It was built in 1749 according to a design by Jan Zygmunt Deybl and its space is currently used for the organisation of temporary exhibitions and various cultural events. Soon, thanks to the “Restoration and securing of the symbol of Polish cultural heritage – the Museum of King Jan III's Palace in Wilanów” project, the Wilanów Orangery will be restored to its original function. A permanent exhibition of exotic plants will be arranged, enriched with an exhibition of Baroque sculptures and vases. The investment tasks carried out in the Orangery as part of the project will also enable the development of the 3D Workshop, which will be able to increase the scope of digitisation and documentation work.
The Wilanów Orangery was significantly damaged during World War II. It was reconstructed in the mid-1950s, which is when the boiler rooms and technical rooms, still functioning today, were added on the northern side of the building. Since that time, it has not been renovated, except for the replacement of windows in the 1960s. The completion of renovation works within the “Restoration and securing of the symbol of Polish cultural heritage – the Museum of King Jan III's Palace in Wilanów” project will protect the building against progressing destruction. These are mainly the result of a lack of proper insulation, both of the walls and foundations. An insulating blockade layer will be applied to the surfaces that come in contact with the ground, preventing moisture from penetrating them. The flooring inside the building will also be insulated. A significant element of the comprehensive thermal modernisation of the building is also the proper sealing of details – expansion joints, couplings, pipes and cables.
As part of the renovation and security works on the building, which have been ongoing since October 2017, earthworks, isolation and drainage works have been carried out on the north side of the Orangery. Holes have been drilled over the base of the building, through which chemicals will be introduced to crystallise the moisture in the walls and prevent further penetration into the walls. Tests were also carried out to measure moisture in external walls and assess the condition of the existing fragmentary insulation. At the same time, archaeological surveys are being carried out.
In December 2017, nineteen large-surface windows from the 1960s were replaced. This will shortly allow for the beginning of arrangement works on the permanent exhibition of citrus plants, sculptures and Baroque vases.
All works are scheduled to be completed in June 2018.
