Poznański Palace in Łódź - impressive manufacturer's residence

A settlement in the area of present-day Łódź had been first established in the 14th century, however, the real development of Łódź started with the industrial era. At the beginning of the 19th century Łódź became one of the Europe`s biggest and fastest growing textile industry centre (read more at: Promised Land - Łódź, Poland).

The rapid development of the city in the second half of the 19th century was brought about by the rise of enormous industrialist fortunes. The city residences became expressions of the riches and power of the manufacturers. They were usually situated next to the owner’s factory (read more at: Former industrial empire of Izrael Poznański, Łódź). The most impressive factory and residential buildings in Łodź are the monumental edifices located in Ogrodowa Street. There is the former industrial complex founded by Israel Kalamowicz Poznański and the largest manufacturer’s residence in Poland.

Former factory buildings and the Poznański Palace

The beginnings of the firm go back to the 1860s, when Kalman Poznański, a Jewish trader from Kowal in the Kujawy region, settled in Łódź. An exorbitant rise of the cotton giant took place in the times of his son Izrael Kalmanowicz (1834-1900). The industrial empire of Poznanski was a self-sufficient district which included the owner's residence, factory, workers housing complex, church and a hospital.

Facade of the Poznański Palace

At the beginning of the 21st century, the former factory buildings have been converted to service, commercial, cultural, gastronomic and hotel facilities. Today "Manufaktura" - the centre of entertainment, culture and commerce - is located in historic factory buildings.

Former "winter garden"

The monumental a 19th-century palace of Israel Poznanski adjoins to old factory buildings. Initially, there was a tenement building at the crossing of Ogrodowa and Zachodnia Streets. It was transformed into a Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque style residence in years 1888-1903.

Art Nouveau staircase

It was still a rather modest-looking two-storeyed building, soon replaced by a large residence, which the grandeur and lavishness overshadowing a majority of the other factory owners residences in Łódź.  The palace was originally designed as based on the patterns of the French Renaissance showcase and commercial and residential building. The works undertaken at the break of the centuries led to the making of an extensive scheme of the 'L' letter plan, with a large garden at the back. The "winter garden", ca 770 m2, on the first floor, was covered with a glass roof. At the beginning of 20th century, the residence acquired architectural shape similar to the present day’s one.

Art Nouveau staircase

The main body of the building has a monumental Neo-Baroque character, with rich decoration and allegorical sculptures, glorifying industry and emphasising the role of the factory owner in an industrial city. The southern part of the building, topped with the towering, domed roofs and decorated with allegorical statues - personifications of industry - is particularly impressive.

Dining room

The dining room. Allegorical decoration and Poznański's coat of arms

Fireplace in the dining room

This magnificent edifice used to mainly reception and office functions. It also housed counting-offices and stores, but also the apartments for more significant clients of the firm. The interior has been given a rich and glamorous character. The rooms decor of the palace is eclectic and refers to styles of the second half of the 19th century. There are various styles to be found in its architecture.

Ballroom

Ballroom

An Art Nouveau staircase leads to a neo-baroque dining room and a ballroom. The corner Dining Hall with its superb interior decorations has remained the place of most famous Łódź ball-parties. The chief reception chambers were situated on the first floor. There were the apartment building, guest rooms and the winter garden in the side wing.

Chief reception chamber

Since World War I, the residence was rebuilt many times and often changed its owners. The winter garden was closed down, the palace got extended to the North and some of the interiors was rebuilt. After the World War II, the palace became the seat of the regional and city offices.

Apartments of Mrs Poznańska

Apartments of Mrs Poznańska

Apartments of Mrs Poznańska

Apartments of Mrs Poznańska

Since 1975, the residence of Poznanski’s family is home to the Museum. As a result of conducting the maintenance and further acquisitions by the Museum of the historic halls of the palace, premises largely regained their original appearance. You can admire unique works of art and sophisticated practical objects during your trip.

Corridor in the apartments part of palace

Corridor in the apartments part of palace

Corridor on the 1st floor

The Museum of History of the City of Łódź, with its record of the city's past, but also some personal objects. The permanent exhibition “The Pantheon of the Famous Citizens of the City of Łódź” presents the profiles of prominent artists associated with the city: writers Władysław Reymont, Julian Tuwim, Jerzy Kosiński, translator and interpreter Karl Dedecius and composers - Aleksander Tansman and Artur Rubinstein. (source: Museum of History of the City of Łódź).

"The Pantheon of the Famous Citizens" - room of Julian Tuwim

"The Pantheon of the Famous Citizens" - room of Artur Rubinstein

"The Pantheon of the Famous Citizens" - room of Artur Rubinstein

You can also read other articles about Łódź

• Former industrial empire of Izrael Poznański, Łódź
• Promised Land - Łódź, Poland 
• Wooden Architecture in Łódź, Poland 
• Jewish Cemetery in Łódź, Poland