GRODY CZERWIEŃSKIE HISTORICAL AND ARCHAELOGICAL CENTRE IN TOMASZÓW LUBELSKI

Nizio Design International developed the concept for the Grody Czerwieńskie Historical and Archaeological Centre in Tomaszów Lubelski — an institution dedicated to one of the most enigmatic and underappreciated phenomena of the early medieval period: a network of fortified settlements that for centuries formed a vital commercial, military and political crossroads between the Piast and Rurikid dynasties.

The heart of the building is an exhibition space modelled on the majdan — the open central ground of an early medieval stronghold. The volume grows around this core through the layering of successive strata, producing a contemporary interpretation of the elliptical forms of historic earthen and timber fortifications. The choice of materials allows the building to dissolve into the surrounding greenery, which enters the interior directly — trees grow from within the entrance hall, blurring the boundary between architecture and landscape. A green roof terrace, a light overall form and natural materials place the building in quiet dialogue with the interwar complex of the B. Głowacki First Secondary School, designed by the distinguished architect Professor Witold Minkiewicz.

The exhibition narrative unfolds across three levels: the roof terrace invites visitors into the institution through concealed copies of archaeological artefacts waiting to be discovered; level 0 immerses guests in the atmosphere of the historic stronghold through a historical display and a panoramic 360° multimedia presentation; level −1 recreates the experience of the archaeologist at work — with simulators of archaeological technologies, gamification mechanics and a detailed model of the Czerwień stronghold. Five thematic strands running through all levels — People, State, Religion, Civilisation, War — place the local history within the perspective of the medieval world at large.