Atelier Starzak Strebicki

National Museum

In the project for the modernization and interior design of the National Museum in Poznań, the main objective was to restore the building’s cohesive and elegant character, naturally combining its historical identity with the needs of a contemporary museum. The old and new wings now form a harmonious whole – spatially legible and intuitive to navigate through.

To achieve visual consistency throughout the museum, a set of recurring design elements was introduced, unified in style and proportion. A key feature is the wooden plinth integrated with the restored door joinery, which organizes the space while concealing technical infrastructure. An integral part of this element is the angled ledge displaying artwork descriptions, ensuring their clarity and visibility. Wall claddings made of deciduous wood give the interiors warmth and elegance. Subtle lighting strips and a refined hanging system emphasize the proportions of the exhibition rooms without overpowering them. Curatorial texts placed directly on the walls, together with a new wayfinding system, ensure clarity and spatial order.

The interior furnishings also include a range of mobile elements designed for flexible use across the museum’s historic halls. Carefully balanced proportions and noble materials allow them to adapt to different exhibitions while maintaining a unified visual language. Among them are stone pedestals for sculptures, classic wooden display cases for small works and comfortable benches inviting visitors to contemplate art.

Each exhibition hall was given a distinct atmosphere reflecting the diversity of the museum’s collections. The Gallery of Medieval Art, in warm shades of blue, provides a serene backdrop for Gothic sculpture and painting, with an arrangement that encourages viewing the exhibits from all sides. The Gallery of European Art, arranged as a sequence of interconnected rooms, features elegant hues of cool green and rosy red, restoring depth to historic collections. The front Spanish Hall, opening toward Wolności Square, retains its characteristic rose tone, showcasing monumental works in the glow of the setting sun. Smaller temporary exhibition spaces share this colour palette, creating a cohesive and harmonious setting for the presented art.