DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

Its main aims are to preserve the historic substance of the building, protect the priceless works of art housed in it, and create a modern museum suited to the needs of contemporary art audiences and tourists.

In order to achieve these aims, it is necessary to:
• carry out full-scale conservation of the interior design and architectural details,
• modernize and replace the electrical, plumbing and central heating systems,
• install air-conditioning,
• install a modern lift in the existing stairwell,
• install new systems of “safe” lighting of the art works,
• modernize the monitoring and security systems,
• make the museum accessible to disabled people,
• create new exhibition and storage space,
• build a new reception hall, café and relaxation space adjoining the museum shop,
• adapt rooms for use as multimedia-ready lecture rooms,
• renovate and open to tourists the outside viewing terraces (never before opened).
The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) was the first historic seat of the oldest National Museum in Poland, opened in 1879. For the more than 125 years of its history the Sukiennice gallery has been one of the most beautiful and recognisable symbols of both Krakow and Poland.

At present, however, its technical condition and standard of equipment fall woefully short of its historical value and beauty. This exceptional, unique building is today in a state that does not befit a place of such artistic and historical merit.

The Sukiennice was last renovated in the 1950s, and this historic building has now reached the limits of its technical life. Recurrent construction issues, outdated technical infrastructure that does not meet contemporary security or health and safety standards or requirements for storing and exhibiting collections, and lack of access for the disabled are all reasons why we urgently need to undertake a complete modernization and restoration of this historic building.

We firmly believe that the New Sukiennice project will be one of the biggest and most important conservation investments in Poland, and with the additional financing for the project from the Norwegian Financial Mechanism and the EEA Financial Mechanism will contribute to the promotion and development of cultural cooperation between Poland and the countries of the EEA.
We hope that this exceptional venture will be a source of personal satisfaction to all of us, and that the outcome of our work will stand for the Citizens of the Republic of Poland as an example of work to save and share our national heritage.

Qualifiable costs of the project (€): 8,733,610, of which from the Norwegian Financial Mechanism: €5,235,799 (60% of the qualifiable costs).
The remaining 40% of the costs of the project, PLN 14,490,549.52, we received thanks to the support and good will of Bogdan Zdrojewski, Minister of Culture and National Heritage, as part of the Operating Programme “Promise of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage”.

The project “NEW SUKIENNICE – Renovation and modernization of the Gallery of 19th Century Polish Art in the Sukiennice in Krakow” was drawn up by a team of employees of the National Museum in Krakow.

Duration of the project: 2008-2010