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Prof. Andrzej Rottermund, director of the Royal Castle talks to Przemysław Molik.
The 20th anniversary of the re-opening of the castle to the public-isn't that a short period for a building with such a rich history?
Definitely so. But few people are aware that the Royal Castle was completely destroyed during World War II. In fact, we started to rebuild the castle as late as the 1970s. For many people who are not fully aware of Warsaw's history, the moment of destruction and reconstruction is vague. It is hard believe in the enormous destruction which Warsaw suffered. I think the idea of the castle as a faithful reconstruction will fade: a symbol is more important than matter. A place permeated with a certain spirit is necessary.
What was the greatest obstacle in the reconstruction process?
First of all, it was difficult to receive permission for reconstruction. The communist authorities did not see any need for the castle. Their hesitance was explained mainly by a lack of financial resources but it was really demagoguery. It was known that the castle was to be rebuilt exclusively with funds provided by Polish society. Thanks to efforts made by intellectuals, permission for reconstruction was finally granted in 1971.
How fast did work proceed?
This was, of course, a multi-stage process. In 1974, the castle's walls and its towers were reconstructed. Later, in 1980 an independent museum was established here, which was responsible for arranging the castle interiors. Finally, in 1984, the castle was opened to the public. It was a great day and a very symbolic moment: the urn containing Tadeusz Kościuszko's heart was brought to the castle. Only the Great Room was opened to visitors later, in 1988, due to technical reasons.
How and to what extent had the original works of art been protected against destruction?
It is said that the castle has new walls but original decorations and works of art and this is true. Soon after the outbreak of the war, the Royal Castle staff-often at the cost of their own lives-transported portable objects to the basements of the National Museum. Of course, the objects were later taken by the Germans but were recovered after the war. Fixed elements-architectural and construction elements-were removed. Some of them survived: for example, fireplaces and sections of floors.
The castle's current top priority is renovation of the Kubicki Arcades. How will the Royal Castle change after the arcades are opened?
The 19th-century Kubicki Arcades were designed as a shopping area. Their renovation is a difficult project. We are going to create new arcades-adjusted to contemporary needs. We have already completed conservation work: the arcades have been protected against collapse and a view of the castle escarpment has been restored. We are now starting construction and adaptation work. The main entrance to the castle will be through the arcades. With a complex of galleries, shops and eateries, they will become the main tourist area in the castle. Thanks to the arcades, many people will recognize the value of Warsaw's Royal Castle.
20th Anniversary Celebrations Sept. 19, 2004
Free visits to the castle, concerts, performances, projections, art shows, opening of part of the Kubicki Arcades.
A brief history of the Royal Castle in Warsaw
The former seat of the Mazovian princes, since the 16th century the castle functioned as the royal residence and the site of Sejm meetings. When the capital was moved to Warsaw (1596), the castle was completely reconstructed. During the Swedish invasion of Poland in the latter half of the 17th century, the castle was devastated. During the reign of the last King of Poland Stanisław August Poniatowski, the castle was again reconstructed and redecorated with works by Bernardo Bellotto Canaletto featuring views of Warsaw. In 1918, when Poland regained independence, the Royal Castle became the seat of the Polish president. In September 1939, during the German invasion, it was bombed and then blown up in 1944.
In 1971, a decision was made to rebuild the Royal Castle, according to a design by J. Bogusławski. In 1984, the castle was opened to visitors.
Renovation work is now underway on the Kubicki Arcades, the architectural complex located on the castle escarpment facing the Vistula.
The castle is visited by over 500,000 people annually.
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