Signing of the University of Wrocław/Ossolineum comfort letter for the exchange of real estate
The library at ul. Szajnochy 7/9 that is a picturesque building in the heart of Wrocław may regain its former glory, all thanks to the agreement between the Ossolineum and the University of Wrocław.
The Rector of the University of Wrocław, prof. Robert Olkiewicz and the Director of the Ossoliński National Institute, dr Łukasz Kamiński signed a comfort letter, which aims to optimise the usage of the real estate’s sources of both institutions and restoration of the library functions of the building at ul. Szajnochy.
The Ossolineum National Library faces some challenges of exhausting its stock reserves, which could be secured in the building at ul. Szajnochy 7/9. Meanwhile, the University of Wrocław keeps searching for some space to house the University Archives.
Premises needs in both Institutions could be secured by exchanging real estate. And for that reason, these Institutions signed a comfort letter on 21st of April 2026, which will initiate the procedure for exchanging these two real estates. The exchange transaction (de facto sale, purchase and lease) would concern the real estate at ul. Szajnochy 7/9, (owned by the University of Wrocław) and at ul. Sołtysowicka 24 (owned by the Ossoliński National Institute). Since the University’s plans to sell the building at ul. Szajnochy resulted from the fact that wanting to secure the conservation of the building and its furnishing did not come true, the University was planning on setting up its archives there. However, the costs of adapting the historical building would not be possible for the University.
Because of the agreement, both institutions gained two important premises: Ossolineum Library at ul. Szajnochy, University Archives at ul. Sołtysowicka. The exchange plan ideally fits into the expansion of the University of Wrocław campus at ul. Koszarowa.
Thanks to that scenario, both Institutions co-creating the scientific and cultural identity of Wrocław and Lower Silesia would gain even better conditions for development of science, teaching and protection of National Cultural Heritage.
Both Parties express in that way the intention of creating a project of agreement, which would result in the transaction of both real estates owned by the Parties.
After the real estate exchange, both Institutions are supposed to lease the properties. The property at ul. Sołtysowicka 24 for three years and the other one at ul. Szajnochy 7/9 depends on the completion of the renovations of the building at ul. Szewska 49 (Historical Institute).
To sign the agreement, both Parties need to get the consent of the Council of the University of Wrocław and the Board of Curators of the University of Wrocław. After concluding the agreement, the University of Wrocław will seek permission from the President of the General Prosecutor’s Office to carry out the transaction. The Ministry of Cultural and National Heritage is being informed about the matter as well.
The final transaction will probably be possible around the end of the year, once all formalities are completed.
The other participants of the event were among others:
Izabela Kurc-Kuriata, Director of the Department of Culture and Cultural Heritage of the Lower Silesia Marshal’s Office,
Jarosław Krauze, a member of the City Council of Wrocław
Jarosław Perduta, Director of the Department of Culture and Sport of the Wrocław Municipal Office,
Grzegorz Roman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees,
dr Dorota Sidorowicz-Mulak and dr Marek Mutor, Vice-Directors of the Ossolineum,
prof. dr hab. Artur Błażejewski, Vice-Rector for Research of the University of Wrocław and member of the Board of Trustees,
mgr inż. Agnieszka Buszta-Małusecka, General Deputy Director of the University of Wrocław,
dr Katarzyna Uczkiewicz, Press Spokeswoman of the Ossolineum.
Photo report: Zuzanna Pelc
Translated by Nikola Dawidowicz (student of English Studies at the University of Wrocław) as part of the translation practice.
Date of publication: 21.04.2026
Added by: MJ
