From the mid-20th century, they adorned the terraces of the Italian Garden and the shore of the Lake. At present, three of the four Baroque statues of Hercules, along with the pedestals, are stored in the Sculpture Pavilion. Their condition is poor and requires immediate conservation measures. Plans for the Hercules figures are even grander. The beautiful sculptures with exceptional historical and artistic values, were designed and made in 1729-1734. Interestingly, they first adorned the palace park in Brzezinka, in the Lower Silesian voivodeship. It is worth emphasising that these sculptures are the only witnesses of history, which were saved from the palace and park complex in Brzezinka, which was completely destroyed during World War II. According to the Wilanów Chronicle from 1948-1954, they were brought to the Palace at the behest of the conservation authorities of the time. After conservation and reconstruction of the missing fragments, they were placed on the upper and lower terrace of the Italian Garden, as well as on the shore of Lake Wilanów, according to a plan developed by Dr Gerard Ciołek. They were presented there until recently. At present, both the statues and their pedestals require intensive conservation work – especially the latter, stored in the open air, require immediate action.
The project currently being carried out assumes the necessary conservation efforts and making copies of the sculptures. The original figures will be earmarked for an exhibition in the Eastern Garden – the Museum is planning a permanent exhibition in the Orangery, composed of 18th-century garden sculptures placed amidst the vegetation. In turn, copies of the Hercules statues along with the pedestals will be placed on the Lake Wilanów Promenade in place of the originals, after prior stabilisation of the soil.
