sculptural exhibition design traces a glowing path through antiquity in poland

The Wawel Royal Castle in Krakow presents a new exhibition titled Masterpieces from the Lanckoroński Collection. This installation features ancient sculptures and artifacts spread across five distinct rooms. The design team at NArchitekTURA created the environment, using curved walls and subtle lighting to guide visitors through the historic castle space.

Each gallery provides a unique atmosphere while maintaining a cohesive path for the public. The design choices prioritize specific materials, such as clay plaster and stone, to echo the ancient origins of the artifacts. A circular light installation in the entrance hall serves as an enigmatic introduction, appearing as a complete shape only from one specific viewpoint in the room.

The architects used plywood and translucent materials to create soft glows and fluid surfaces. Sculptures sit on platforms that project directly from these newly constructed walls. In one gallery, perforated plywood surfaces allow visitors to view photographs of absent objects through circular openings, which mimics the experience of using a vintage stereoscope.

The final room features a burgundy carpet that covers both the floor and a curved wall, creating a visual link to the existing stone staircase of the castle. This space displays small artifacts inside a circular case set into the wall, illuminated by diffused light. Through these interventions, the project balances contemporary exhibition design with the preservation of the historic site.

The exhibition remains open to the public until August 30, 2026. It serves as an example of how modern architectural interventions can frame antiquity within a storied building without distracting from the historical significance of the collection.