Branicki Palace in Choroszcz (Museum of Palace Interiors)

The Branicki Palace in Choroszcz (ho-ROSHCH) is a Baroque summer residence that stands on an artificial island surrounded by canals, a short drive from Białystok in northeastern Poland. It was built for the powerful hetman Jan Klemens Branicki, and today it houses the Museum of Palace Interiors and a long, quiet park. If you are looking for things to do near Białystok, this is a pleasant half-day trip.

Where it is and how to get here

Choroszcz lies in the Podlaskie region, just outside Białystok, and the drive from the city takes roughly fifteen minutes. From Warsaw, Białystok is about 190 km by road, and there are flights to Warsaw from many countries. A car is the easiest way here. Regional buses also run, but check current timetables. We could not find official parking information, though visitors usually park near the museum.

A short history

Branicki, the owner of the great palace in Białystok, wanted a quieter country retreat. Before 1729 a hunting lodge stood on an artificial island. After his marriage to Elżbieta Poniatowska, the park was expanded in 1748 with radial avenues and a cross-shaped canal, and two guest pavilions followed in 1753-1754. The first palace was taken down in 1757-1759 because its foundations were rotting, and a new one was built.

Later owners changed the use of the site: from 1840 a textile factory operated here and the canals were filled in because of damp. The complex burned in 1915, during World War I. It was rebuilt in 1969-1973 to a design by Stanisław Bukowski, together with the park.

What to see

• The palace, a two-storey classicizing building with a tall roof; the pediment carries the coats of arms of Branicki (Gryf) and his wife (Ciołek).
• Museum of Palace Interiors, open since 1973 and run by the Podlaskie Museum.
• The restored east pavilion, renovated for nearly 3.5 million zloty and officially reopened on July 31, 2026, with the ticket desk and a shop.
• The park and canals, with avenues, small bridges and wooden bird sculptures. Sources disagree on the park's size, so we do not quote it.

How long to plan and who it suits

Plan about an hour inside the museum, plus an hour or two in the park. It suits families, couples and history fans. The park is flat and fine for strollers, but we could not confirm access for wheelchair users inside the museum, so ask staff before you visit.

Tickets and opening hours (as of October 2026)

• Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays. Last entry one hour before closing.
• Also closed on January 1 and 6, Easter Sunday and Monday, May 1, Corpus Christi, November 1, and December 24-26.
• Tickets in PLN: adult 14, reduced 7, family 28 (two adults with children up to 25, maximum five people).
• Permanent exhibitions are free on Wednesdays.
• Guided tours cost 45 PLN for groups or individuals. Staff may not speak English, so ask in advance.
• Contact: ul. Pałacowa 2, 16-070 Choroszcz, phone +48 85 71 91 233.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you are already in Białystok and want a green, atmospheric complement to the Branicki Palace in town. Combine the two for a day devoted to this magnate's residences.

Nearby

In Białystok you can see the Branicki Palace, often called the Versailles of Podlasie, along with its gardens and the Podlaskie Museum.