“Dworek Białoprądnicki” Cultural Centre

The “Dworek Białoprądnicki” Cultural Centre is housed in a historic palace-manor at Papiernicza 2 in Prądnik Biały, surrounded by Tadeusz Kościuszko Park. The complex has several hundred years of history as a residence of the bishops of Kraków, and today it is a cultural institution of the city of Kraków.

Residence of the bishops of Kraków

The Renaissance residence, in the form of an Italian villa, was built in 1545-1550 by Bishop Samuel Maciejowski. It had three storeys, a rectangular plan of about 34 by 42 m and round bastions. Łukasz Górnicki set the action of “The Polish Courtier” within its walls.

After the destruction of the Swedish Deluge, Bishop Andrzej Trzebnicki rebuilt the residence in 1665-1669. Jan III Sobieski set out from here on 30 January 1676 for his coronation.

Baroque palace and garden complex

In 1746-1758 Bishop Andrzej Stanisław Kostka Załuski commissioned an extension. The result was the largest late Baroque palace and garden complex in Kraków, designed by Francesco Placidi as a symmetrical layout of courtyards in the French style. The complex is entered in the heritage register under number A-132 (from 1946).

Today

Renovation began in 1973, and the manor has operated as a cultural institution since 1975. The programme includes performances, jazz concerts, literary meetings and activities for children, young people and seniors, as well as theatre, dance and craft workshops.

Practical information

• Address: Papiernicza 2, 31-221 Kraków, Prądnik Biały.
• It is far from the Old Town, about 3 km to Planty Park.
• Check the programme and opening hours at dworek.eu.