Poznań's Palm House will close to visitors from 1 September 2026, as a major renovation gets underway at one of the city's best-known landmarks.
The construction contract was signed on 17 August, marking the start of a long-planned project that will modernise the historic complex while protecting its extensive collection of exotic plants.
For generations of Poznanians, the Palmiarnia Poznańska has been part of the city's landscape and childhood memories. It is also a popular attraction for visitors, particularly those exploring Łazarz and Park Wilsona.
The Palm House dates back to 1911 and today houses around 1,100 species of exotic plants across ten pavilions. Its last major renovation took place between 1982 and 1992, and the technical condition of the complex has deteriorated since then.
This is an exceptional place, known to generations of Poznanians. It is also a popular tourist attraction. You can see with the naked eye, both outside and inside, that the reconstruction of the Poznań Palm House is necessary.
That is how Poznań Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak described the need for the project. He added that the city's task was to look after the landmark so that it could continue showcasing its unique plant collection for decades to come, while respecting its history and adapting it to modern standards, including improved accessibility for people with disabilities.
The last chance to visit before the works
The construction site is expected to be handed over at the end of August, meaning 31 August will be the final day of public access before the closure.
The project has been divided into stages. The city currently expects some of the renovated pavilions on the ul. Matejki side to reopen towards the end of 2028, while the remaining works are planned to continue until 2030.
The city is encouraging anyone who has been putting off a visit to make the most of the final days of the summer.
These are also the last days to view the Palm House's exhibition of paintings by Polish artist Monika Bartkowiak-Zawadzka.
Elevated walkways will offer a new view of the collection
One of the most noticeable changes for future visitors will be the introduction of elevated walkways inside the Palm House.
The new routes will allow visitors to see the plants from a different perspective and will lead towards an outdoor viewing terrace. A small amphitheatre is also planned as a recreational and educational space.
The exhibition pavilions will receive new glazing, designed to bring more natural light into the buildings while reducing their energy consumption. For a complex devoted to tropical and subtropical plants, the changes should also help create better growing conditions.
The renovation will also include modernisation of the central heating system, along with automated controls for ventilation, shading, lighting and multimedia systems.
The aquarium will be rebuilt
The aquarium building is set for a complete reconstruction.
The plans provide for large-volume tanks that will eventually allow the Palm House to display larger fish, including species from the rivers of South America.
The changes should give the aquarium a substantially different role within the visitor experience once the renovated building reopens.
Protecting the plants during construction
Renovating a glasshouse complex while keeping a major collection of living tropical plants safe presents a particular challenge.
The most disruptive work on the glass structures is therefore planned for the spring and summer, when temperatures are less likely to put the plants at risk.
Before the work begins, sensitive specimens will be appropriately protected in cooperation with the Palm House's horticultural staff.
Preparations are already underway. The fish have been moved from the aquariums, while items currently stored in the building's back-of-house areas will be transferred to temporary containers as the construction site is established.
Justyna Litka, President of Poznańskie Inwestycje Miejskie (Poznań Municipal Investments), explained that the project team had not waited for the final contractor to be appointed before preparing for the closure.
We did not delay preparations until the contractor had been selected, which is why, among other things, the fish have already been moved from the aquariums.
She said the first phase of construction would focus on the main entrance, café and administrative areas during autumn and winter, with the pavilions' interiors gradually being prepared for later stages of the work.
Changes beyond the Palm House itself
The project will extend into the area around the building, where the landscaping will be revitalised with measures intended to improve water retention.
This is part of a wider approach to Park Wilsona, which the city considers an important element of Poznań's cultural heritage.
The city is already preparing further investment in the park, including the planned modernisation of its historic concert shell and fountain.
The Palm House, together with the whole of Park Wilsona, forms part of our cultural heritage, which is why we are simultaneously preparing for further investment in this area.
Said Natalia Weremczuk, the Deputy Mayor of Poznań.
A PLN 163 million investment
The City of Poznań has secured almost PLN 163 million in preferential financing from Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego for the Palm House modernisation.
The funding comes from Poland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO) and is intended to support the green transformation of cities.
The contract signing followed a lengthy procurement process. The project attracted considerable interest from potential contractors, and the selection process was extended by appeals submitted by bidders.
Despite this, the city continued preparing for the renovation, allowing some work to begin as soon as the contractor was appointed.
A long wait for a familiar landmark
For Poznań, the renovation marks an important new chapter for a landmark that has been part of the city's landscape for more than a century. The Palm House may be closed for several years, but the work is intended to preserve its historic character while giving its plants, visitors and staff a better environment for the decades ahead.
See more: There is still more to do in Poznań - World Like a Herbarium exhibition opens soon in CK Zamek
Source and image credit: Poznańskie Inwestycje Miejskie (PIM)
