Porta Posnania

The creation of a new Interactive Heritage Center in Poznań, Poland was part of the district revitalization program called the "Poznań Development Plan for 2005-2010." Additionally, a new tourist attraction, known as the Poznań Royal-Imperial Route, was being established and Porta Posnania was a part of this route.

To construct the Interactive Center for the History of Cathedral Island, an international competition was held on March 9, 2009. A total of 26 projects were submitted and the winning entry was presented by Ad Artis Architects, based in Cracow. The exhibition design was developed by Tempora SA, a Belgian company that specializes in creating narrative exhibitions.

The process of creating the exhibition was closely monitored by Professor Hanna Kóčka-Krenz, an archaeologist, who was responsible for the discovery of the palas of Mieszko I - the first ruler of Poland. Professor Kóčka-Krenz was an expert in the field and her supervision helped to ensure that the exhibition accurately reflected the rich history and cultural heritage of the area.

Porta Posnania is an urban complex that is located in Cracow and is comprised of several different elements. The project was designed by two architects, Arkadiusz Emerla and Maciej Wojda, from the local studio Ad Artis Architects.

The central component of the complex is a concrete minimalist cube building which is the main building. The 19th-century cathedral lock, which currently houses the Śluza Gallery, is another important aspect of the complex. Additionally, there is a pedestrian bridge that connects the main building and the cathedral lock.

The complex also features an amphitheater that overlooks the river Cybina, an entrance in the form of a zigzag path, a park with plane trees and concrete benches, and a parking lot for visitors. The interior of the main building is divided into two sections by a long, glass-ceilinged corridor. The upper floors of the exhibition area are connected by glass bridges, which provide a unique view of the cathedral located on Cathedral Island across from Porta Posnania.

The Porta Posnania's main interactive exhibition showcases the rich history of Tumski Island, the oldest part of the city. This exhibition comprises of a variety of multimedia installations, screens, and interactive rooms designed specifically for children. The exposition is separated into four distinct halls, each focusing on a different theme: Castle, Water, Gold, and Stained Glass. The exhibition covers a timeline starting from the castle's inception in the 10th century and goes all the way up to the present day.

For the convenience of visitors, audioguides are available in several languages including English, German, French, Spanish, Czech, Russian, and Ukrainian. There are three specially designed audio tours available, each catering to different needs- one for individual visitors, one for groups, and one for families. The exhibition has been made accessible for visitors with disabilities and has been tailored to cater to their needs.

The Cathedral Lock is a significant piece of history that was once part of the Poznań Fortress, built between the years 1834 to 1839. It was a part of the military hydraulic structure that no longer exists today. The Cathedral Lock has undergone a transformation and has been converted into a contemporary art gallery named the "Śluza Gallery." This gallery serves as a space for hosting temporary exhibitions and master classes, offering a platform for artists to showcase their works and interact with the public. With its rich history and cultural significance, the Cathedral Lock continues to be a cherished landmark in the city of Poznań.