The Tenement House at 11a Krupnicza Street – A Kraków Story with Soul
Kraków is a city that tells its story at every turn – not only through its monuments and museums, but also through its historic townhouses. One of these exceptional architectural gems is the tenement house at 11a Krupnicza Street. Though it may appear modest at first glance, its walls hide a fascinating tale of remarkable residents, social initiatives, and historical events that have left their mark on the city.
Unique photographs by Awit Szubert from 1907, depicting the interiors of an apartment at what was then 13 Krupnicza Street – today’s address: 11a Krupnicza Street – shared courtesy of Professor Waldemar Hładki.
From Aristocratic Residence to Physicians’ Headquarters
The tenement house was built in 1880 as a two-story building, designed as a stylistic continuation of the neighboring “Mieroszewski Palace” at number 11. The architectural design in the Italian neo-Renaissance style was prepared by Filip Pokutyński, one of Kraków’s leading architects of the 19th century. The expansion was initiated by Anna Adolfina Oesterle-Borgeaud, wife of Jan Stanisław Mieroszewski – a member of the Galician National Sejm and a candidate for mayor of Kraków. In 1933, the building became the property of the Regional Medical Chamber, which established its headquarters here. Even during the German occupation, the building retained its administrative function, and its walls hosted secret activities – from helping professors arrested as part of the Sonderaktion Krakau to acquiring medicines and issuing false employment documents.Remarkable Residents and Extraordinary Stories
Krupnicza 11a was home to many distinguished individuals. Among them was Tadeusz Boy-Żeleński – a physician, writer, and translator of over 100 masterpieces of French literature, for which he was awarded the French Legion of Honour. He was also a dedicated social activist – founder of the “Drop of Milk” organization and the first family planning clinic in Poland. Another resident was Dr. Aleksander Ameisen – a dermatologist and accomplished chess player. His wife, Zofia, was a respected archivist and curator at the Jagiellonian Library. The house also hosted the eminent composer and accompanist Bolesław Wallek-Walewski – founder of the Kraków Opera Society and the Kraków Opera.From Ruins to Modernity
After the war, the tenement house gradually regained its former role as a hub for Kraków’s medical community. Despite the difficult times and the dissolution of professional chambers in 1950, the Regional Medical Chamber was reactivated in 1989, and in 2010 – thanks to the efforts of many individuals – the building was officially restored to its rightful ownership. Between 2017 and 2019, the building underwent a complete renovation and revitalization. Thanks to the architectural design of Marek Skołuba and the efforts of the team led by Prof. Andrzej Matyja and Dr. Robert Stępień, the house gained modern interiors while preserving its historical details. Guest rooms for physicians were created in the attic, and a charming music club was opened in the basement.
Kraków’s Tradition and Modern Spirit
Today, 11a Krupnicza Street is a blend of tradition and modernity. Its interiors serve as a reminder of the past while meeting contemporary needs. It is a place worth visiting – not only for its architecture but also for the stories of the people who helped create its unique atmosphere.