The Orchid House

The Orchid House grows plants on the ground, on rocks and on tree branches. Those growing on branches are epiphytes. Botanical species are cultivated alongside human-bred hybrids, and some historic species and varieties come from the Potocki family's prewar collection.

Plants are brought into the display when they flower. For the rest of the year, they are kept in three growing greenhouses, with conditions tailored to the climates they come from. Modern equipment helps maintain the environment these demanding plants need.

The collection's origins are linked to the Palm House built for Roman and Elżbieta Potocki between 1893 and 1904. Gardener Alois Philipp established its growing greenhouses, where orchids were cultivated among other plants. After the war, a state farm continued their cultivation, but a later interruption to heating left the greenhouses to fall into ruin. The museum took over the devastated site in 1994. A new boiler house and preparations for reconstruction were followed by revitalisation in 2007-2009. The Orchid House regained its role as a place for growing and displaying plants.