From the ruins to Dali’s exhibition

At the turn of 19th and 20th century Julian Ochorowicz- the pioneer of psychology and experimental hypnosis was the resident of Wisła. As a multi-talented scientist, he created theoretical basis of television operation and led to sound production. He saved The Eiffel Tower from demolishing thanks to installing telegraph transmitter on it. Ochorowiczówka was the first masonry villa in Wisła. At the times he was the resident, the villa was a workplace for scientists, writers and it was visited by such outstanding people as: Maria Skłodowska-Curie, Władysław Reymont, Witold Gombrowicz, Bolesław Prus.

Demolishing and renovation

After the Second World War the building was taken over by the city and changed into multi family house with municipal flats. Through the years villa was devastated and another extensions ruined the original form of the building . Moreover, the fire in 2014 made it almost impossible to save. In 2015 Górnik Architects studio accepted the challenge of working on the project of The Museum of Magical Realism and bringing back its previous splendour.

- Our intention was to restore the original form of the building- says Mateusz Górnik- Górnik Architects- the years of demolition made us fight for every single brick. At the same time we expanded the building adding wooden-glass wing to be the background for the historic part. We created the project which thanks to modern form and materials is innovative but also matches the architecture of original Ochorowiczówka building. We also assumed to restore the wooden porch, door and window joinery and colors.

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Salvador Dali odwiedza Ochorowiczówkę

The opening date of the Museum of Magic Realism was set on the hundredth anniversary of the death of Julian Ochorowicz himself, May 1, 2017. From the beginning, the exhibition gathered over 300 paintings and sculptures from private collections. There are works of such outstanding artists as Zdzisław Beksiński, Wojciech Siudmak, Rafał Olbiński and Jarosław Jaśnikowski. However, the most unique find among the exhibited works are the works of Salvador Dali himself.

"We are proud that the place designed by our studio contains works of such outstanding artists. Knowing the purpose of renovating Ochorowiczówka, we have created a space that is tailored to the needs of visitors. The works are properly lit, the space is not overwhelming, thanks to which visitors can focus on admiring the art as much as possible, "adds Mateusz Górnik.

In Ochorowiczówka, visitors also have the opportunity to learn more about the first owner of the villa - Julian Ochorowicz, and about the amazing achievements of this real "Renaissance man"