Housewarming at Bandinelli Palace
Bandinelli Palace would not be the major attraction of Lviv’s Rynok Ploshcha [Marketplace Square] if not for the painstaking restoration work being done on the premises, which initially literally “propped up” this architectural gem of old Lviv, one-third of which has practically collapsed. This should come as no surprise, considering that the building was crying out for restoration (it was last restored in 1674). Therefore, a staggering amount of restoration work had to be done at a cost of 9,525,000 hryvnias. The building is now supported by a rigid scaffolding framework encompassing three stories and imbedded in the cross walls. The decaying shear heads have been replaced by ferroconcrete ones along metal beams, while beams installed over the basement and the first floor have made the palace stationary and strong. Whereas the internal structure has been renovated, the exterior remains unchanged: its original silhouette and grandeur have been retained. The winding staircase was built in strict accordance with archival blueprints, as was the exterior stuccowork. The only exceptions are the metal structure of the glass roof over the inner patio, and new gas, power, and telephone lines — graphic proof that modern specialists have carried out restoration work. Without a doubt, the architects, restorers, and builders involved in the restoration of the palace have created a model for future restoration projects, which Lviv badly needs. The palace was once the residence of Robert Bandinelli, grandson of the noted Florentine sculptor Baccio Bandinelli, who improved the design of Lviv’s first post office founded by Domenico Montelucco on the same premises. In December 1998 it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. That is why the residents of Lviv considered its restoration a point of honor for the city. The mayor of Lviv, Liubomyr Buniak, visited 2 Rynok Plohcha Street on a weekly basis.
Unfortunately, the palace will remain closed to the public for an indefinite period of time. Now research fellows with the Lviv History Museum are working on the premises; for years they have been dreaming of organizing an exposition tentatively called the Golden Chamber. Most of the items in the museum’s holdings, 320,000 in all, have been kept away from the public eye. Only a mere 7-8% is currently on display. In fact, such a low level of public exposure is typical of Lviv’s museums, so Bandinelli Palace will go a long way to improving the situation. Of course, organizing such an exhibit calls for expensive security measures, including equipment and manpower. Security is a must, considering that such precious objects as the Order of the Golden Fleece, the Order of St. Andrew, 1st Class, which was once conferred on Hetman Ivan Mazepa by Peter I of Russia, gold and silver coins, chandeliers, and jewelry are difficult to find even in the most prestigious European museums. It would be a shame if the search for funds prevents the timely opening of the museum. Besides the Golden Chamber, it is hoped that the Post Office Museum will one day find refuge on these premises. Incidentally, the Ukrposhta Company contributed 980,000 hryvnias to the museum restoration project, with an eye to staging a fascinating exposition on the grounds. The City Council Museum is also planning to locate its museum here and, of course, the Glass Museum, so long awaited by the residents of Lviv. Glass artisans from all over the world have presented the city with works of art that they created during the past six glass symposiums. In a word, Bandinelli Palace will offer Lviv residents and guests of the city a unique opportunity to explore its historical gems and contemporary art.
