Located at ulica Nowy Świat 72 in Warsaw, Poland, Staszic Palace is a grand historical site that currently serves as the seat of the Polish Academy of Sciences. When you visit, you are standing before a site rich in history, dating back to 1620 when King Sigismund III ordered an Eastern Orthodox chapel to be built here as a burial place for captured Russian figures, including Tsar Vasili IV.
Over the centuries, the location transitioned to the Dominican Order, underwent a neoclassical redesign by architect Antonio Corazzi in the 1820s, and was donated by Polish Enlightenment figure Stanisław Staszic to the Society of Friends of Science. Though damaged in 1939 and nearly razed during the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, it was faithfully rebuilt between 1946 and 1950 by Piotr Biegański in its restored neoclassical form.
As you explore the exterior, be sure to admire the striking architecture—which previously underwent Russian Russo-Byzantine remodeling in the late 19th century before being restored—and take in Bertel Thorvaldsen's historic monument to Nicolaus Copernicus, unveiled in front of the palace in 1830 by Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz.
What to see at Staszic Palace
- Seat of the Polish Academy of Sciences
- Designed in a striking neoclassical architectural style
- Historic site dating back to a 1620 Orthodox chapel
- Features Bertel Thorvaldsen's monument to Nicolaus Copernicus in front
Visiting tips
Be sure to stop outside the palace to admire the historic Nicolaus Copernicus monument located directly in front of the building.
How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Staszic Palace is easy to reach on Warsaw’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Palace of Culture and Science and National Museum in Warsaw. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Warsaw travel guide.
See the full Warsaw travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.