Palace Interiors

The permanent exhibition at the Museum of Noble Tradition in Waplewo Wielkie presents palace interiors, referring to the originally arranged spaces from the time of the former owners from the Sierakowski family of the Ogończyk coat of arms and their predecessors. The interiors at Waplewo emanate the atmosphere of a noble residence, whose owners, in accordance with the spirit of the times, treated their home not only as a family sanctuary, but also as an oasis of Polishness in the territory occupied by the Prussian partitioner, and a substitute for a museum – an institution raising the level of knowledge about art and shaping national identity.

The Hall freely refers to the interiors of Gdańsk halls. The hunting trophies on display, both native and exotic, testifying to the hunting privilege enjoyed by their owners, invite visitors to the noble residence and to begin their tour from the representative part.

The Billiard Room, one of three reception rooms arranged enfilade, presents furniture designed for games: a chess table and a bridge table with a folding top. Based on the account of Andrzej Sierakowski, son of the last owners, the walls were decorated with family portraits which, thanks to the museum's resources and the gift of Izabella Sierakowska-Tomaszewska, the last of the Sierakowski family, returned to their ancestors' seat. One of the most valuable portraits is the image of Stanisław Sołtan, painted by the outstanding portraitist Jan Chrzciciel Lampi.

The White Room, serving as a salon, displays European painting. Paintings by various artists and genres are hung in three rows, covering the entire walls, in accordance with the fashion of the second half of the 19th century. Thanks to the generosity of the last of the Sierakowski family, the walls are mostly adorned with canvases from the former Waplewo collection. Richly decorated mirrors with large glass panes add a representative character, suitable for balls and festive social gatherings.

In The Gdańsk Room, in accordance with its name, primarily Gdańsk furniture, Elbląg craftsmanship, and Dutch cabinets, which were once considered works by Gdańsk craftsmen, are exhibited. Referring to the idea of protecting Gdańsk craftsmanship, Maria née Sołtan Sierakowska installed fronts of old Gdańsk cabinets in place of the doors leading to the Dining Room and Library. You can also admire the original ceiling from 1896 and a historic 17th-century fireplace acquired by the Sierakowskis from the Elbląg town hall.