An exhibition and education center of the Museum of Photography will be built in the former Armory on Rakowicka Street in Cracow. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, work is underway and is regularly documented. We have already written about the new MuFo facility on the occasion of the competition organized by the museum for the design of the main exhibition space.
The project includes modernization of the historic building of the former Armory, conservation work inside, on the facade and related to the renovation of the fence along Rakowicka Street, installation and finishing works. The historic building would not be able to accommodate all the planned functions, so a major expansion has been designed.
Museum of Photography in the former Armory
The entrance to the building will lead through a light, glazed pavilion that will not obscure the historic facade of the Armory, leading to the exhibition halls. A library with a reading room will find its place on the first floor, while multifunctional spaces for meetings, exhibitions, demonstrations and educational activities will be created on level - 1. The roof level has also been designed to be raised, with an extension on the south side to include a technical room serving as a storage area and a delivery zone. The usable area of the building will increase from 1500 m² to 3300 m².
Work is currently underway to expand the building, including the construction of an entrance pavilion and rooms at level -1
Photo: Dorota Marta, MuFo materials
An entrance to the Museum directly from Rakowicka Street is also planned. The area around the building, once neglected, will also change as a result of the investment work. It will be developed with elements of small architecture and new plantings, making it a friendly and atmospheric place for visitors. The planned plant composition is intended to create an attractive place of rest - delightful with a wealth of colors, shapes and scents, as well as exposing the former Armory building.
Renovation works on Rakowicka Street in Krakow
In July 2019, construction work began. The building has already undergone a major transformation after all the demolition, dismantling, attic raising and conservation work on the facade has been done. Currently, work is being carried out on the expansion of the building, including the construction of the entrance pavilion and rooms on level -1. The contractor is carrying out installation work and land development-related road works (gutting, paving). In addition, foundation works including insulation, maintenance works, part of reinforced concrete works in the existing and new building and on the underground level of the entrance pavilion, including ceilings. In addition, structural work on the roof with partial roofing has been ordered. All the time masonry, plastering, screeding, installation works in the field of electrical and sanitary: rainwater retention tanks, connections, drainage, external transformer station, window and door carpentry in the historic building and the new part are in progress.
Developing it with elements of small architecture and new plantings will make it a friendly and atmospheric place for visitors
photo by Dorota Marta, MuFo materials
MuFo opening and investment costs
The planned completion date for the building is January 2021. Once that happens, the building must obtain an occupancy permit and be equipped with equipment, furniture and, most importantly, the exhibition halls will be filled with the main and temporary exhibitions. The museum should open to the public at the end of the second quarter of 2021.
The total value of the project is nearly PLN 35,500,000.00.
The investment is financed with funds from the Municipality of Krakow and the Regional Operational Program of the Malopolska Region for 2014-2020.
The author of the architectural concept is prof. dr hab. inż. arch. Marek Pabich - LACHMAN PABICH ARCHITEKCI. The construction and detailed design was developed by the Kontrapunkt Design Team - architect Ewa Dobrucka.
