Description
The National Library is the central library of the state and one of its most important cultural institutions in Poland. It protects Polish national heritage preserved in the form of handwritten, printed and audiovisual documents. The technical condition of the building puts the collections in danger and needs to be improved to preserve historical substance of the Palace and the collections. Objective: Polish and European cultural heritage restored, renovated and protected. Outcome: Collection of most valuable Polish literature is protected within the restored and renovated building made accessible to public and the disabled. Output: building restored and protected, literature collection protected, new web page established, new technologies implemented, exhibitions in outdoor showcases, info kiosk installed, building and collection made accessible to the disabled and tourists, information and promoting system implemented, 2 jobs created, cultural offer enriched. Project target groups: visitors of the Palace and grounds: 20 000/year including researchers, students (1300/year) and the disabled (30/year), Internet users (50 000 entries/year).
Summary of project results
The National Library conducted the following works and took actions listed below: - restoring and preserving facade of the building, - fixing and preserving the sculptures, - replacing leaky windows,- restoring external stairs, - 2 platforms for the disabled, - internal elevator for the disabled, - renovation of the grounds around the building, - facade illumination, - adaptation of the -1 level interiors to the needs of the disabled, - gutter heating system, - automatic door,- glazing the arcades, - renovation of the front door, - purchase of 12 display cases, audio-visual system with software, multimedia info kiosk, 200 chairs to provide possibility to organize meetings and events, - Carrying out archaeological research, - cellar corridor restoration works, - open terraces renovation, - organization of the Project opening and closing conference, - organization of the guided open day in the Palace, - production of a documentary on the Project conducting and developing. The project has been successfully accomplished and all of its goals were achieved resulting in restored, revitalized and preserved object of cultural heritage made open to the public. The participants of recurrent events as well as researchers and scientists visiting the reading rooms had the possibility to admire the way the event venue is changing and responding to their needs and expectations thanks to well used EEA FM grants. Among many events that took place in the Palace on regular basis like presentation of Polish and European heritage collections of literature, literary award ceremonies, book launching meetings, there have also been many extra events organized including 2 Project conferences, an guided open day, the Night of Museums or conservation session. Thanks to those events beneficiary had an opportunity to tell the story of the place, present its mission and collections, history of the project starting from the idea, through the process of grant applying, project development and its outcomes. All of those events announced through the Projects website, info kiosk and multimedia display in the arcades became accessible to the disabled and general public and all the presented exhibits were displayed in special protective reinforced glass cases which made it possible to have a closer look at the artifacts of the Polish and European history.
Summary of bilateral results