The tenement house was built in 1880 as a two-story building, designed to complement the neighboring “Mieroszewski Palace” at number 11. The architectural design, in the Italian Neo-Renaissance style, was created by Filip Pokutyński, one of Kraków’s leading architects of the 19th century. The expansion was initiated by Anna Adolfina Oesterle-Borgeaud, wife of Jan Stanisław Mieroszewski - a member of the Galician National Sejm and a candidate for mayor of Kraków.
In 1933, the building came into the possession of the Regional Medical Chamber, which established its headquarters there. Even during the German occupation, the building retained its administrative function, and clandestine activities were carried out within its walls – ranging from assisting professors arrested as part of the Sonderaktion Krakau to procuring medicines and issuing false employment documents.
11a Krupnicza Street was home to many distinguished figures. Among them was Tadeusz Boy-Żeleński – a doctor, writer and translator of over 100 masterpieces of French literature, for which he was awarded the Legion of Honour. He was also a social activist – he founded the ‘Kropla Mleka’ organisation and Poland’s first counselling centre for conscious motherhood.
After the Second World War, the building gradually regained its former role as the hub of Kraków’s medical community. Despite difficult times and the abolition of local councils in 1950, the Regional Medical Chamber was re-established in 1989, and in 2010, ownership of the building was restored.
The years 2017–2019 saw a complete refurbishment and regeneration of the building. Thanks to a design by architect Marek Skołuba and the work of a team led by Prof. Andrzej Matyja and Dr Robert Stępień, the tenement house has been given a modern interior whilst retaining its historical features.
Today, Krupnicza 11a is a blend of tradition and modernity. Its interiors evoke the past whilst meeting contemporary needs. It is a place well worth a visit – not only for its architecture, but also for the history of the people who created its unique atmosphere.
Address: Krupnicza 11 A, 31-123 Kraków, Poland
Website: https://oilkrakow.pl/kontakt/
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