The Red Mansion, located in the very heart of Zakopane on Krasprusie Street, which leads towards the Strążyska Valley, is one of the most beautiful and important villas in Zakopane. It was built in the Zakopane style in 1901-1902 by Wojciech Roja, a close associate of Stanisław Witkiewicz, for Oktawia Lewandowska, sister Zygmunt Gnatowski, owner of the Koliba Villa designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz. At first the house was called ‘Władysławka’ after Mrs. Lewandowska’s husband Władysław.
In 1904, Artur Rubinstein lived here. Writer Stefan Żeromski spent the World War I years here, and it was here in November 1918 that the famous ‘Zakopane Belvedere’ became the head of the Zakopane National Council was called ‘the President of the Zakopane Republic.’ Composer Karol Szymanowski lived here, and Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz often stayed here. Both men were friends of Artur Rubinstein. Zofia Nałkowska, Piotr , Rafał Malczewski, Zbigniew Uniłowski, Henryk Sztompka, and many other cultural figures came to stay with Szymanowski during the mid 1920’s.
In the mid 1920’sXX century, the villa was bought by Mrs. de Pourbeix-Zakrzewska, who installed the famous red tin roof, giving the ‘Red Mansion’ its name. The name has survived to this day.
After World War II, the building and repurposed for educational use. In the years 1946-1947 it housed a youth shelter, and then a home for children with tuberculosis operated by the Krakow Worker’s Children’s Aid Society and a State Children’s Home for boys.From 1951 to 2016, the villa hosted a kindergarten, which was named after Karol Szymanowski in 1954.
In 2016, by decision of Zakopane mayor Leszek Dorula, the building was designated as a cultural centre promoting local art. The Red Mansion Gallery hosts exhibitions of Podhale artists, folk art workshops, lectures and presentations. Here you can learn more about Zakopane’s rich tradition of glass painting.
Contact
Zakopane Cultural Centre
ul. Kasprusie 27
34-500 Zakopane
tel. +48 661 601 651
czerwonydwor@zck.com.pl
Małgorzata Wonuczka-Wnuk
Maria Frączysta