Elegance and Convention. Costumes from the Film "Lalka"

32 costumes from the latest adaptation of Bolesław Prus's novel "Lalka" (The Doll), directed by Maciej Kawalski, are on display in a temporary exhibition at the Royal Łazienki Museum. Among them are the costumes of Izabela Łęcka, Stanisław Wokulski and other characters, evoking the world of Warsaw's aristocracy and middle class at the end of the 19th century.

In "Lalka", costume is more than fashion. Elegance is a way of building one's position in a world where conventions set the rules of social play. Clothing shapes the images of the film's characters and becomes a carrier of social codes, allowing us to read their belonging, wealth, manners and aspirations. Inspired by the fashion and aesthetics of the late 19th century, seen up close they reveal what we cannot fully perceive on screen: the construction of the silhouette, the texture of the fabric, the handling of line and proportion, as well as embroidery, lace, appliqués and other details. In this way we can not only learn the design concept, but also take a closer look at the craftsmanship behind its realization.

The exhibition includes 32 costumes created by Katarzyna Lewińska and Tomasz Ossoliński, complemented by headwear by Marta Galik and shoes from the workshop of Vanda Novak. Among them are the costumes of the main characters: Izabela Łęcka, played by Kamila Urzędowska; Stanisław Wokulski, played by Marcin Dorociński; as well as Kazimiera Wąsowska (Maria Dębska), Countess Joanna Karolowa (Krystyna Janda), Madame Zasławska (Maja Komorowska), Mrs. Meliton (Agata Kulesza) and other characters.

"Lalka" at Łazienki Królewskie

Łazienki Królewskie served as the setting for meetings between Stanisław Wokulski and Izabela Łęcka, and was also one of the filming locations for the new adaptation of Bolesław Prus's novel. The costumes thus return to places woven into the world of "Lalka". The historic interiors of the royal residence, also present in the film story, give their presentation a unique context.

The event accompanies the cinema premiere of "Lalka". The exhibition "Elegance and Convention" is an invitation to explore the latest adaptation more deeply, through the costumes and the places where history, literature and film meet.

Curators: Katarzyna Lewińska, Tomasz Ossoliński, Dominika Buck. Costumes from the collections of Gigant Films.

Opening hours, admission

The exhibition can be viewed in the Palace on the Island, the Old Orangery and the Myślewicki Palace.

Until the end of September:

• Tuesday–Wednesday: 10.00-17.00
• Thursday–Friday: 10.00-18.00
• Saturday: 12.00-20.00
• Sunday: 10.00-16.00

From October:

• Tuesday–Wednesday: 9.00-16.00
• Thursday–Saturday: 10.00-18.00
• Sunday: 10.00-16.00

The last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

Admission: included in one shared ticket to the sites – check the prices of passes. Tickets are available at the ticket offices in the Podchorążówka, the Old Orangery and the Kubicki Stables. In November, free of charge as part of the "Free November" campaign.

Important information! The Palace on the Island, the Old Orangery and the Myślewicki Palace may be temporarily closed to visitors. Please check the current availability of the sites on the Museum's website or contact the Reservations Department at (+48) 504 243 783 (Monday–Friday, 8.00-16.00).

Click here to check site availability

Exhibition partner: Bytom Museum patron: PZU Strategic Partner of the Museum: ORLEN Museum partner: PKO Bank Polski