Museum of King Jan III’s Palace at Wilanów

In September, more intensive and visible construction work encompassed the North Gallery of the Wilanów Palace. Scaffolding was erected along its entire length. In the near future, they will also fill the South Gallery. In fact, the garden galleries underwent initial work as far back as August, but it was not noticeable to visitors. As part of the work, comprehensive conservation documentation was prepared for both galleries and the Lapidarium. Conservators once again carefully examined and described the objects currently undergoing renovations, in order to assess their condition and ensure that the planned methods of securing them were adequate. The rooms were laser scanned and digital photographs of their decoration were prepared.

Unfortunately, the security measures currently installed on the scaffolding make it impossible for visitors to this part of the Palace to see the fresco-decorated walls, as well as block the view of the picturesque gardens. However, work on the platforms is the best and most convenient method for a comprehensive overview of the condition of the historical objects, including the gallery ceilings. The platforms enable conservators to work on the plafonds by Michelangelo Palloni and the surrounding sculpture and stucco decorations, as well as make it possible for visitors to move through the rooms in relative comfort.

In the 19th century, the plafonds and their frames were covered by new decorations, painted using a bonding technique. Palloni’s frescos were uncovered in the early 1960s. Heavily damaged, they underwent conservation and restoration. Although works were repeated in some places at a later time, the historical elements once again require comprehensive action. Currently, specialists are gradually cleaning the surface of the frescos and stucco. They are also obtaining samples from selected uncovered areas in order to assess the condition of the original painted and stucco layers.

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