Museum of Magdalena Abakanowicz, Falenty

The manor outbuilding in Falenty, birthplace of Magdalena Abakanowicz in 1930, was an important part of the local estate. After the war, it fell into ruin but remains a silent witness to the artist’s origins. The revitalization preserved the original brick walls, integrating a modern form that replaces the destroyed roof. The wall became a sculptural "shell," evoking Abakanowicz’s human-like forms, such as Backs or Catharsis. A mirrored entrance adds lightness to the volume, while a new exhibition space, finished in Corten steel, houses her monumental works. The architectural layout reflects Abakanowicz’s life journey — from her aristocratic origins, through the loss of her family’s estate and the hardships of her studies, to international acclaim. The museum’s interior was designed to engage the senses, enveloping the viewer much like the artist’s own works. The use of natural materials such as charred wood, cork, and metal creates a space that extends her world — one of depth, complexity, and emotion.