In October 2023, architecture firm WXCA was chosen to lead the project of reconstructing Warsaw’s historically important Saxon Palace, as well as Brühl Palace and its townhouses.
Originally built in the 17th century and later home to Poland’s General Staff during the interwar period, the palace was destroyed during WWII by German forces in 1944.
Today, only a fragment of its arcade remains, housing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial for Polish soldiers.
Poland’s former culture minister Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz called the area around the tomb “the most sacred site in Poland.”
But despite plans to complete its reconstruction by 2030, the project is still no closer to being completed.
Explaining the delay, spokesman for the Saxon Palace reconstruction company, Sławomir Kuliński, told commercial TV station TVN Warszawa : “Given the significant budget involved, we must be extremely careful in drafting the agreement to ensure the funds are used properly.”
He added that another reason for the delay is the expansion of planned archaeological work, originally scheduled to begin in mid-2024.
“We have decided to increase the scope of archaeological research, which requires obtaining additional permits. This process is time-consuming,” Kuliński said.
The 2.5 billion złoty (€582 million) restored buildings will serve as offices for Poland’s Senate and regional authorities, as well as cultural institutions.
According to Polish news website gazeta.pl: “(State) Funds transferred to Saski Palace from December 13, 2023, to August 20, 2024, for the implementation of the investment total 21,119,816 złotys (€4,92 million).”
