Photo story: Abandoned Polish Palace

Photo story: Abandoned Polish Palace

In 1910, this palace was built as a home for Polish Royalty. In the years that followed, it evolved through wars and social upheaval into an agricultural educational center, a home for the mentally handicapped and a school for disturbed children. Now it sits in decay and there is a haunting beauty to the photos from inside.

This abandoned palace in Poland has gone without use for decades.

This abandoned palace in Poland has gone without use for decades. (Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

(Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

Originally built in 1910, it was once the home of a ruling class family.

Originally built in 1910, it was once the home of a ruling class family.

(Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

Now this formerly majestic palace is only a crumbling shell of its former self.

Now this formerly majestic palace is only a crumbling shell of its former self. (Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

(Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

… and the walls are still standing, but the paint is peeling.

… and the walls are still standing, but the paint is peeling. (Photo:Lucas Malkiewicz)

(Photo:Lucas Malkiewicz)

What’s amazing is the story of how it came to be like this.

What’s amazing is the story of how it came to be like this.(Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

(Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

Following World War II, the palace was converted into an agricultural school…

Following World War II, the palace was converted into an agricultural school…(Photo:Lucas Malkiewicz)

(Photo:Lucas Malkiewicz)

Then, in the 1970s, it became a center for mentally handicapped adults…

Then, in the 1970s, it became a center for mentally handicapped adults…(Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

(Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

In the 1980s, it became a home for children with “disturbing behavior”…

In the 1980s, it became a home for children with “disturbing behavior”…(Photo:Lucas Malkiewicz)

(Photo:Lucas Malkiewicz)

Eventually, the facility was shut down in 1997.

Eventually, the facility was shut down in 1997.(Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

(Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

Now all the structures on this crumbling estate lie abandoned…

Now all the structures on this crumbling estate lie abandoned…(Photo:Lucas Malkiewicz)

(Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

.. and yet, these photos show that there can still be beauty in decay.

 and yet, these photos show that there can still be beauty in decay.(Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

(Photo: Lucas Malkiewicz)

This story is a stark reminder of how nothing lasts forever. What was once a regal and magnificent palace transformed over the years into something much different. When photographer Lucas Malkiewicz captured these images, he created a beautiful work of art.. and that beauty is definitely something worth sharing.

Via: Lucas Malkiewicz

Arianna Ardia-Wenink
Arianna studied Literature and Arts at the University of Amsterdam, where she specialised a.o. in "museology" and "organisation & marketing of blockbuster exhibitions". After working for 6 years as market researcher & marketing analyst at Zoom.nl, now she focuses her photography love and enthusiasm on the Haarlem Photo Club.

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