Belgium (Southern Netherlands)
-
11st–12st
Principalities
Development of the principalities forming modern-day Belgium.
-
1384–1482
Burgundian Netherlands
From 1384, the Dukes of Burgundy gradually acquired sovereignty over all the principalities forming modern-day Belgium, except Liege, through marriage, inheritance, purchase and conquest.
-
15st
The Flemish Primitives
The painting of the “Flemish Primitives” – including Jan Van Eyck, Hans Memling and Rogier Van der Weyden – developed thanks to patronage from the Burgundian dukes.
-
1430
Order of the Golden Fleece
The Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good, created the prestigious Order of the Golden Fleece in 1430.
-
1482–1555
The Habsburg Netherlands
The Netherlands came under the sovereignty of the Habsburgs following the marriage of Mary of Burgundy and Maximilian of Habsburg.
-
1515–1555
Charles V
Charles V (1500-1558) reigned over the Netherlands from 1515 to 1555.
-
16st–17st
Baroque painting
Despite the Eighty Years’ War, Baroque “Flemish” painting included several renowned painters.
-
1555–1713
The Spanish Netherlands
Following the abdication of Charles V in favour of his son Philip II, the kings of Spain gained sovereignty over the Netherlands.
-
1713–1792
The Austrian Netherlands
Following the War of Spanish Succession, the Southern Netherlands passed under the sovereignty of the Austrian Habsburgs.
-
1792–1815
The French period
After several disordered years, the Netherlands and Liege were annexed to the French Republic and divided into nine departments.
-
1815–1830
The United Kingdom of the Netherlands
The nine “Belgian” departments were joined together with the modern-day Netherlands to form the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.
-
1830–1831
The Belgian revolution
The southern provinces of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands revolted and proclaimed their independence, forming the Kingdom of Belgium.
-
19st
Industrial revolution
With a very liberal constitution, the young Belgium supported and encouraged the development of Belgian industry (particularly the steel industry).
-
ca. 1900
Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau was seen as a modern style of architecture after historicist and eclectic movements.
-
1914–1918
The First World War
The whole of Belgium was occupied by the German army during WWI, with the exception of the region south of the River Yser.
-
1940–1945
The Second World War
The whole of Belgium was occupied by German troops during WWII.
-
1993
A federal state
Belgium became a federal state composed of three regions and three communities.
Europe
-
1095–1291
Crusades in the Holy Land
The Crusades were armed pilgrimages led by Western Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from the Muslims. Preached by Pope Urban II at the Council of Clermont, the first crusade led to the taking of Jerusalem in 1099 and the founding of the Crusader States.
-
1095
The First Crusade
It was during the Council of Clermont on 27th November 1095 that Pope Urban II preached the First Crusade.
-
1347–1352
The Black Death
The Black Death epidemic came from Asia with the Mongol invasions and spread through Europe along the trade routes. By 1347, it had spread over the entire continent and would destroy it within four to five years.
-
15st–16st
The Age of Discovery
Economic factors and a desire to spread Christianity were the main reasons behind the Age of Discovery. The Portuguese explored the African coast as early as 1418 and Vasco de Gama reached the Indian coast after going round the African continent.
-
15st–16st
The Renaissance
The term Renaissance refers to a rebirth of European art that originated in Italy in the 15th century. It is intimately linked to Humanism and the rediscovery of ancient literature, philosophy and science.
-
15st–16st
Humanism
Humanism was an intellectual movement born in Italy, especially in Florence around figures such as Petrarch and later, Marsilio Ficino and Giovanni Pico della Mirandola.
-
1450–1455
The Invention of Printing
Originally discovered in China, printing was reinvented and perfected in Europe in the 15th century at the instigation of the German goldsmith Gutenberg. He invented an efficient method to use identical sized letters and proceeded to combine existing techniques such as the use of a press and ink.
-
1453
The Fall of Constantinople
In 1453, the Byzantine Empire no longer had the means to resist against Ottoman power. Constantinople was besieged by Sultan Mehmed II’s troops in April 1453.
-
1492
The Reconquista
In the 8th century, Muslims dominated most of the Iberian Peninsula. The Reconquista was the reconquest of these territories by Spanish Christian sovereigns.
-
1492
The Discovery of America
Christopher Columbus was convinced that China and Japan were relatively close to Europe and that consequently it was easy to reach them by navigating towards the west. The expedition, financed by Isabella of Castile, left on 3rd August 1492 with three caravels and reached land on 12th October on San Salvador in the Bahamas.
-
16st
The Protestant Reformation
The 14–15 th-century unrest led to a desire for religious reform and a return to Christian basics.
-
1517
The 95 Theses
In response to the sale of indulgences by the Catholic Church in 1516 to finance the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Martin Luther published 95 theses in the form of placards.
-
1730–1790
The Age of Enlightenment
The Age of Enlightenment was an intellectual movement that began in Europe in the 13th century to fight against Obscurantism through the transmission of knowledge.
-
1789–1791
The French Revolution
The French Revolution was a social and political event that questioned the privileges of the clergy and the nobility and with them, the system of absolute monarchy. Inspired by the ideas of the Enlightenment
-
1789
Start of the French Revolution
The series of events that occurred in 1789 marked the start of the French Revolution. Following the failure of the Estates-General to reach an agreement, the National Assembly was formed on 17th June.
-
19st
Industrialisation
Industrialisation describes the passage from a dominantly agrarian society to a commercial and industrial one. Starting in England, this process gradually spread across Europe and the United States of America.
-
1804–1815
The First French Empire
The Empire was the regime established in France by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804 to replace the Consulate. Following a series of military victories, including Austerlitz, Iéna, Friedland and Wagram, he reached the peak of his expansion in 1811, covering half of Europe.
-
1848
The Revolutions of 1848
The year 1848 saw the culmination of a succession of revolutions across Europe. Inspired by the French Revolution in February 1848, the Germans, Italians, Hungarians, Czechs, Poles, Austrians and others rose up, demanding liberal reforms
-
1914–1918
World War I
World War I was a military conflict, initially limited to Europe and its colonies, which then grew to become a worldwide affair with the involvement of the Japanese and the United States. Approximately 9 million people died during the war, an unprecedented number.
-
1919
The Versailles Treaty
The Versailles Treaty was the peace treaty signed on 28th June 1919 between Germany and the allies at the end of World War I Germany was proclaimed responsible for the war and condemned to pay for the damage caused by the conflict.
-
1939–1945
World War II
World War II began on 1st September 1939 with the German invasion of Poland. Initially limited to Europe, it became a world war when the USSR, Japan and the US became involved in 1941.
-
1945–1991
The Cold War
The Cold War was a period of ideological and political conflict between the United States and the USSR, and their respective allies. Europe was divided between the communist Eastern bloc and the West, supported by the Marshall Plan.
-
1945–1975
Decolonisation
Decolonisation was the process of emancipation of the colonies leading to their independence. It began in 1775 in America but it was not until after World War II, from 1945 to 1975, that Europe lost the majority of its colonial empires in Asia and Africa.
-
1957
The European Union
The construction of Europe originated in the Treaty of Rome, signed in 1957 by Germany (FRG), Belgium, France, Italy, Luxemburg and the Netherlands.
France
-
ca. 1027–1087
William
the Conqueror
Duke
of Normandy before becoming King of England after the battle of Hastings in
1066, William the Conqueror is the first Norman King of England.
-
1095–1291
Crusades
From 1095 to 1291, European armies went
restoring Christian control of the Holy Land by demand of the Pope.
-
ca. 1122–1204
Eleanor
of Aquitaine
Heiress of the duchy of Aquitaine, Eleanor of
Aquitaine played a great role in the balance of power between the kingdoms of
France and England.
-
ca. 1135–1185
Chrétien
de Troyes
French
poet in the late 12th century, he is considered to be the inventor
of the modern novel.
-
1214–1270
Louis IX of France
The reign of Louis 9th was a
« golden age » for France both economically and politically.
Celebrated for his piety, Louis 9th was known for his rightness and
his reform of the royal judicial system.
-
1337–1453
The
Hundred Years’ War
For longer than 100 years, France and England
have fought for the right to the French crown. This war greatly damaged France
and introduced new weapons that rapidly defeated the English longbows.
-
1348–1352
The Great Pestilence
In
the mid-14th century, Europe suffered greatly from the Black Death, which
Killed up to 60% of Europe’s inhabitants by following commercial paths all the
way to Russia.
-
1412–1431
Joan
Of Arc
Claiming to be guided by God, she led the
French army to many victories during the Hundred Years’ War. Captured, she was
later burned at stake by the English in 1431.
-
ca. 1494–1553
François
Rabelais
François
Rabelais is a French Renaissance writer of the 16th century famous
for his Gargantuan series.
-
1494–1547
Francis
I of France
Francis I is not only a true Renaissance’s
Prince but also the founder of Modern France.
-
1494–1559
Italian
Wars
Also known as the Great Wars of Italy, they
mostly are the result of the claim of four French Kings, from Charles VIII to
Henri II, on the Kingdom of Naples and the Duchy of Milan.
-
1509–1564
John
Calvin
With Martin Luther, John Calvin is one of the
principal figures of the Protestant Reform in the 16th century’s
Europe.
-
1519–1589
Catherine
de Medici
Catherine de’ Medici is one of the most
emblematic figure of the 16th century. Queen of France then regent,
she had a great influence on political decisions during the reigns of her three
sons.
-
1520
Field
of Golden Cloth
Also known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold,
the meeting between Henry VIII and Francis I took place between June 7th
and June 24th 1520.
-
1533–1592
Michel de Montaigne
Famous above all for his Essais, Michel de Montaigne lived in the 16th century
and was not only a writer, but also a moralist, a philosopher and a politician.
-
1553–1610
Henry
IV of France
King of Navarre before becoming King of France in 1589, Henry IV is the first
French king of the Bourbon branch.
-
1562–1598
French
Wars of Religion
Reaching its climax on August 24th
1572 with St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre, this civil war between Protestants
and Catholics raged for nearly 40 years in France before coming to an end in
1598.
-
1621–1692
Jean de La fontaine
Jean de la Fontaine is one of the most famous
French fabulist. His work, and especially his Fables, is nowadays seen as one of the 17th century’s
masterpieces.
-
1622–1673
Molière
Molière is a famous French playwright and actor of
the second half of the 17th century. He is considered one of the
greatest masters of comedy of French literature.
-
1643–1715
Louis XIV
Louis
XIV (1638-1715), king of France from 1643 to 1715
-
1648–1653
The
Fronde
During
the minority of Louis XIV and the government of his chief minister Mazarin,
the lords and parliaments rebel against royal authority.
-
1661–1671
Academies
Louis
XIV and his minister Colbert protect the royal academies and create new ones.
Thereby, artists and scientists are serving the State.
-
1670
Quarrel
of the Ancients and the Moderns
Starting
in 1670, partisans of the Ancients and of the Moderns are opposed in a
literary argument.
-
1715–1774
Rule
of Louis XV of France
Louis
XV (1710-1774), King of France from 1715 to 1774.
-
1774–1793
Rule
of Louis XVI of France
Louis
XVI (1754-1793), King of France from 1774 to 1791, and King of the French
from 1791 to 1792.
-
1789–1799
The
French Revolution
From
May 1789 with the opening of the Estates-general to November 1799 with the
coup of Napoleon Bonaparte, the French Revolution is a real turnover in
French history and marks the end of the absolute monarchy.
-
1804–1814
Napoleon
Bonaparte
Napoleon
(1769-1821), First Consul (1799-1804) and Emperor of the French (1804-1814).
He was exiled on the island of Saint Helena after his defeat at Waterloo in
1815.
-
1919
The
Treaty of Versailles
Signed
on June 28th 1919, the Treaty of Versailles put an end to the 1st World War.
« Peace » or « Diktat », this Treaty contains the germs
of the causes of a second conflict, 20 years later.
Poland
-
ca. 1000
The Piast Dynasty
Around the year 1000, Poland is ruled by the Piast dynasty. Duke Mieszko I, first know ruler of Poland, is baptised in 966, a date which marks the entry of Poland into the Christian world.
-
1025
Boleslaus
I, First King of Poland
Boleslaus
I, son of Mieszko I, secured the country's position on the European scene.
His reign reached its peak with his coronation in 1025.
-
1364
The
Cracow Academy, First University of Poland
Casimir
III the Great, the last ruler of the Piast Dynasty, founded in 1364 the first
university of Poland, the Cracow Academy.
-
1385
The Personal Polish-Lithuanian Union
Under
the Polish-Lithuanian Union established in Krewo, Ladislaus II Jagiello
became king of Poland and prince of Lithuania. Christianisation was
progressing in Lithuania.
-
1410
The
Battle of Grunwald
On the
battlefields of Grunwald Polish-Lithuanian forces confronted the Knights of
the Teutonic Order. The Battle of Grunwald is a landmark in the history of
medieval Europe, which witnessed the severe defeat of the Teutonic Knights.
-
1490–1525
Jagiellon
Power at its Peak
From
1490 to 1526 the representatives of the Jagiellon Dynasty ruled over Poland,
Lithuania, Bohemia and
Hungary.
-
1564
The Polish-Lithuanian Real Union is Proclaimed
Under
King Sigismund II Augustus's leadership the Polish-Lithuanian real union was
officially proclaimed in 1564. The Commonwealth was born.
-
1573
The
First Free Election
When
Sigismund II Augustus died, the first free election were organised. Noblemen
elected to the throne the French Henri of Valois.
-
1674
Sobieski
is chosen king
In
1674 Jan Sobieski is chosen king in free election. The nobility appreciates
his grand victories on battlefields and his leadership skills.
-
1683
Sobieski
wins near Vienna
As
commander-in-chief of the Christian forces, Jan III Sobieski wins the battle
against huge Turkish troops near Vienna and stops the Ottoman Empire in its
march into Europe.
-
1772
First
partition of Poland
Poland
loses a large percentage of its territory seized by neighbouring states.
-
1791
3rd May
Constitution
The
first constitution in European history.
-
1807–1815
Duchy
of Warsaw
In
1807-1815 the independent Polish state is substituted by the Duchy of Warsaw,
established by Emperor Napoleon I.
-
1918
Independence
Following
123 years of successive partitions, on 11 November 1918 Poland regains
independence.
-
1939–1945
World War II
Germany started World War II by invading Poland on September 1, 1939.
-
1945–1980
World War II - consequences
In 1945, following the Second World War, Poland's borders were redrawn. Poland was converted into Soviet-controlled country.
-
1980
Nobel Prize in Literature for Czesław Miłosz
Nobel Prize in Literature 1980 was awarded to Czesław Miłosz, Polish poet and writer living in the US.
-
1980
Victory
of "Solidarity"
Following
the years of communist regime, democratic opposition in Poland gets the upper
hand. The so-called August Agreements are signed.
-
1983
The Nobel Peace Prize 1983 for Lech Wałęsa, leader of "Solidarity"
The Nobel Peace Prize 1983 was awarded to Lech Wałęsa, leader of "Solidarity" - free trade unions.
-
1996
Nobel Prize in Literature 1996 for Wisława Szymborska
Nobel Prize in Literature 1996 was awarded to Wisława Szymborska, Polish poet living in Kraków.
-
2004
EU
membership
Accession
of Poland to EU structures confirms the state's democratic growth following
the collapse of communism.
Castle of Chambord (France)
-
13st–14st
The Counts of Blois in Chambord
During two centuries, the counts of Blois frequently visit the manors of Chambord and Montfraut.
-
1519
Beginning of the construction of the Renaissance's castle
On September 6th, 1519, Francis I decides to have a new castle built at Chambord.
-
1524–1526
Captivity of Francis I by Charles V
Following Francis I's defeat against Charles V's imperial troops at Pavia and the captivity of the French king, the construction of Chambord is put on hold for two years.
-
1552
Treaty of Chambord
On January 15th, 1552, the treaty of Chambord is signed between Henri II and the German Protestant princes, fighting against the emperor Charles V.
-
1660–1685
Visits of Louis XIV
Between 1660 and 1685, Louis XIV stays six times at Chambord during the autumns.
-
1725–1733
Stanisław Leszczyński, King of Poland
Stanisław Leszczyński, deposed king of Poland and father in law of Louis XV enjoys the use of Chambord during eight years.
-
ca. 1850
The castle opens to the public
Listed in 1840 as a Historical Monument of France, the castle opens to the public around 1850.
-
1939–1945
Evacuation of works of art to Chambord
The most noteworthy works of art from French museums are evacuated to Chambord in order to protect them for the air raids on Paris.
Coudenberg - Former Palace of Brussels (Belgium)
-
11st
A castle on Coudenberg
There was a castle on Coudenberg hill from the beginning of the 11th century. The Count of Leuven and Brussels stayed there when he was in town.
-
ca. 1120
A ducal manor
The Count of Leuven and Brussels had a manor built on Coudenberg hill, near the castle belonging to the Lord of Brussels.
-
13st
First set of city walls
The castles belonging to the Duke and to the Lord were located inside the first set of city walls, although the gardens of the ducal manor were outside the walls.
-
1355–1406
Joanna Duchess of Brabant
Joanna, Duchess of Brabant (1322-1406) was the Duchess of Brabant and Limburg from 1355 to 1406. She frequently spent time in Brussels and helped to enlarge and improve the ducal manor.
-
14st
Transformations
Joanna, Duchess of Brabant had substantial changes made to the palace, particularly in the chapel and the corps de logis (main block).
-
1360–1400
Second set of city walls
The second set of city walls was larger than the first, and included the ducal palace, the gardens and the great animal park.
-
1430–1467
Duke Philip the Good
Philip the Good succeeded his uncle Philip of Saint Pol. He made Brussels one of the capitals of his possessions.
-
1431–1460
Transformations
Philip the Good changed and enlarged his palace in Brussels during his reign: he altered the corps de logis (main block), entrance porch and gardens, and built several successive banqueting halls.
-
1452–1460
The Aula Magna is built
Philip the Good commissioned the City of Brussels to construct a great banqueting hall – the Aula Magna – between 1452 and 1460.
-
1467–1477
Changes
Charles the Bold made changes to the main corps de logis (main block).
-
16st
Capital of the Netherlands
The main institutions of the government of the Netherlands, as well as the sovereigns and their representatives, settled permanently in Brussels at the beginning of the 16th century.
-
1506–1555
Charles V
Charles V succeeded his father, Philip the Handsome, as sovereign of the principalities forming the Netherlands in 1506. He regularly spent time in his palace in Brussels.
-
1520
Albrecht Dürer
Albrecht Dürer spent time in Brussels during his travels in the Netherlands in 1520-1521. He wrote about the places he visited and illustrated them in many drawings in his journal.
-
1522
The Gothic chapel
A new chapel was built in the Late Gothic style under the reign of Charles V.
-
1533–1537
Grand gallery
Mary of Hungary enlarged the main corps de logis (main block) to include a grand gallery overlooking the park.
-
1555
Abdication of Charles V
-
1565
A princely marriage
Alexander Farnese, son of the Governess General, married Infanta Maria of Portugal at Coudenberg Palace.
-
1599–1621
The Archdukes
Archduke Albert and Infanta Isabella received sovereignty over the Netherlands on the occasion of their marriage.
-
1600–1621
Transformations
The Archdukes resided primarily in Brussels and changed the palace’s main corps de logis (main block) and the entrance porch considerably.
-
ca. 1620
Rue Isabelle
Ingelantstraat – a narrow street running along the palace – was re-laid and extended to the Collegiate Church of Sainte-Gudula. It was renamed in honour of Infanta Isabella.
-
1731
Fire
Almost the entire palace was ravaged by fire in 1731. The Court moved to Nassau House.
-
1731–1770
The “burnt court”
The former palace remained in ruins for 40 years and was known as the “burnt court”.
-
1770–1783
The new royal district
After 40 years of equivocation, the political will and financial means finally came together for a large-scale architectural project – creating the current place Royale.
-
1935
The 1935 exhibition
The Brussels International Exhibition of 1935 in Heysel included a life-size reconstruction of part of the former palace.
-
1984–2004
Listing
The vestiges forming the current Coudenberg Archaeological Site were gradually registered as listed buildings.
-
1984–2006
Archaeological digs
Several archaeological digs have enabled us to discover a large part of the old ducal palace.
-
2000–2009
Opening up to the public
The archaeological site was opened up to the public in 2000 and an archaeological museum was opened in 2009.
Palace of Versailles (France)
-
1613–1700
André
Le Nôtre
Born in a family of gardeners, Le Nôtre was a French landscape architect and the principal gardener of King Louis XIV of France.
-
1623–1634
The
hunting lodge
In 1623, a hunting lodge was built by Nicolas Huau to receive king Louis XIII when he came hunting near the village of Versailles. and stone...
-
1660–1715
Louis
XIV
In 1661 at the beginning of his personal reign, Louis XIV showed a great interest in his father’s hunting lodge...
-
1664–1664
The
Pleasures of the Enchanted Island
The Pleasures of the Enchanted Island, one of the great festivities organised at Versailles by Louis XIV, was the first collaboration between Molière and Lully...
-
1668–1671
The
Envelop
Louis XIV decided to extend the palace and transform it into a residence worthy of a great monarch...
-
1674
The
Grande Commande
The Grande Commande was a commission ordered by Louis XIV for statues intended to decorate Versailles’ gardens...
-
1678–1687
The
Hall of Mirrors
Designed to dazzle Louis XIV’s visitors, the hall of Mirrors is a passageway and a meeting place frequented by courtiers and the visiting public...
-
1682–1789
Versailles, capitale of the kingdom
Versailles, humble village, was transformed by Louis XIV into a modern city and became the official seat of the government, as well as the main residence of the Court in May 6th, 1682...
-
1687–1688
The
Grand Trianon
-
1689–1710
The Royal Chapel
Four chapels followed one another until Louis XIV, Most Christian king, undertook in 1689 the construction of a place of worship worthy of the palace.
-
1760–1762
The
Petit Trianon
The Petit Trianon was built on a request of Louis XV for Madame de Pompadour in 1760...
-
1768–1770
The
Royal Opera house
In 1682, Louis XIV ordered Jules Hardouin-Mansard the construction of an opera house...
-
1774–1793
Marie-Antoinette
Marie-Antoinette, daughter of the emperor Francis I of Lorraine and Maria-Theresa of Autria, married Louis XVI, then dauphin of France in 1770...
-
1833–1837
The
Museum of the History of France
Louis XVI’s cousin, Louis-Philippe became King of the French in 1830 and decided to turn the palace of Versailles into a museum dedicated to « all the glories of France », destroying many prince’s apartments, but saving the palace from neglect...
-
1875
The
Congress room
After the fall of Napoléon III, the National Assembly was elected in 1871 and met up in Bordeaux...
-
1885–1995
The
State Visits
Since Queen Victoria’s visit in 1855, Versailles had been the privileged setting for France’s diplomatic receptions...
Wilanów Palace (Poland)
-
1677
Sobieski
assumes Wilanów
Sobieski
assumes Wilanów
Jan III
Sobieski finds Milanów, a quiet village near the capital city, situated at a
scenic bend of the River Vistula.
-
1677
Palace
of King Jan III Sobieski
King
Jan III Sobieski employs architect Augustyn Locci who draws plans and
supervises the construction of the new palace.
-
1677–1689
Main
body of the palace
Wilanów
Palace combines the style of a 16th-century Italian villa with a French entre cour et jardin palace from the
times of Louis XIV.
-
1689
Royal
apartments
Interiors
of the palace are profusely decorated with frescoes and stuccoes. Employed
are outstanding artists such as Michelangelo Palloni and Jerzy Eleuter
Szymonowicz-Siemiginowski.
-
1720–1729
Side
wings of the palace
Duchess
Marshal Elżbieta Sieniawska purchases the palace from King Jan III Sobieski's
sons and extends it by adding side wings.
-
1730–1733
White
Hall
King of
Poland Augustus II of the Wettin family rents the Wilanów Palace.
-
1771–1799
Addition
of 3 pavilions
Duchess
Izabela Lubomirska adds three new pavilions to the Wilanów Palace.
-
1780
English-Chinese
garden
Szymon
Bogumił Zug creates an English-Chinese garden in the Wilanów residence.
-
1799
Stanisław
Kostka Potocki
In
1799 Izabela Lubomirska hands the Wilanów residence over to her daughter
Aleksandra and son-in-law Stanisław Kostka Potocki, an outstanding
politician, collector and scholar.
-
1799–1821
English
park
Stanisław
Kostka Potocki restructures and enlarges the Wilanów park, giving it an
English character.
-
1805
Establishment
of museum
In
1805 Stanisław Kostka Potocki makes his collection of art available to the
public.
-
1815
Polish
Winkelmann
In
1815 Potocki publishes “History of Ancient Art, or the Polish Winkelmann”, a
comprehensive translation of Johann Joachim Winkelmann's classic,
supplemented with chapters on oriental art.
-
1836
Mausoleum
of the Potockis
In the
forefield of the Wilanów Palace Aleksander Potocki raises a monumental,
neo-Gothic mausoleum of his parents, Aleksandra and Stanisław Kostka Potocki.
-
1845
The
Potockis
August
Potocki inherits the Wilanów residence from his father Aleksander. Assisted
by his wife, he converts the palace and enlarges his collection of art.
-
1852–1870
Palace
chapel
In 1852
architect Henryk Marconi designs a neo-Renaissance chapel in the assumed
location of King Jan III Sobieski's death.
-
1856
Rose
garden
Architect
Bolesław Podczaszyński designs a neo-Renaissance rose garden near the south
elevation of the Wilanów Palace.
-
1867–1892
Conversion
of interiors
Following
her husband's death, wife of late August Potocki, Aleksandra for 25 years
maintains the palace and the amassed collection, which she makes available to
the public.
-
1892
The
Branickis
After
Aleksandra Potocka's death, the residence passes on first to Ksawery Branicki
and then to Adam Branicki.
-
1939–1945
World War II
During World War II the palace is devastated by Nazi invaders.
-
1945
Wilanów
taken by state
Wilanów
Palace is nationalized on the strength of decree dated 28 January 1945.
-
1955
Thorough
restoration
1955
marks the beginning of thorough restoration works in the palace and the park,
financed by the public sector.
-
1995
Wilanów
Palace Museum
The
Wilanów Palace Museum is established in 1995.
-
2005
Restoration
of Wilanów
Systematic
restoration works are launched in the Wilanów Palace and its park.
-
2011
Culture
and nature museum
Wilanów
Palace Museum is toured by more than 1.5 million visitors each year.
