This handsome tenement house-turned-palace on the market square dates back to the 13th century and has been known under numerous names over the centuries as it passed hands between wealthy noble families. Also commonly called 'Zbaraski Palace,' the building was given a classicist facelift and turned into a magnate palace in the 17th century, and had a rich cultural life in the run-up to World War II, during which it was occupied by German soldiers, followed by Russian soldiers. Despite the resulting damage, the rich interiors today still feature many original details. For several decades after the end of the communist era, the Goethe Institute had their headquarters here.
Courtyard view of Potocki Palace.
Since 2021 Potocki Palace has served as a collective cultural centre for several local institutions, including KBF (Kraków Festival Office), the Department of Culture and National Heritage, and the UNESCO City of Literature programme. The building features a library, bookshop, exhibition space and several beautiful meeting/conference rooms with gorgeous views of St. Mary's Basilica and the Market Square. An extensive programme of one-off and cyclical events includes book launches, discussion panels, readings, workshops, film screenings, concerts, banquets, press conferences and more.
