The building of the Old University Library (© University of Warsaw)
The NESAT XV Conference will be held in Warsaw on 22–24 May 2024 at the historical building of the Old University Library, located at the Central Campus of the University of Warsaw, Krakowskie Przedmieście 26/28 Street.
The Old University Library, located at the heart of Warsaw’s main Campus of the University of Warsaw, is a historic structure built in the late 19th century. Designed in the neoclassicist style, it was created by renowned architects Antoni Jabłoński-Jasieńczyk and Stefan Szyller. Adorning the front wall of the building are numerous sculptures, all depicting the theme of knowledge, wisdom, and education. Positioned on either side of the entrance are statues of Demosthenes and Sophocles. The back wall showcases busts of prominent ancient writers, philosophers, and scholars, including Homer, Socrates, Kato, Hippocrates, and Aesop. Crowning the front wall is a sculpture featuring three muses.
Originally intended as the primary location for the university library, the building incorporated specific architectural solutions to accommodate extensive collections. Notably, fire-resistant steel frames were implemented throughout the seven-story warehouse section.
As the 20th century progressed, the library’s storage space became insufficient and gradually filled up. During the communist era, the building fell into disrepair and deteriorated. In the early 21st century, a new building was constructed to the east of the Main Campus, serving as the new home for the library collection between 2003 and 2005. The Old University Library building has since been restored and its interior completely rebuilt and modernised, while retaining some of the original decor in the front section.