Location: Kraków, Poland
Year of establishment: 2025
Size: 790 m²
Investor: Royal Castle on Wawel

Between the walls of history and geology. A multimedia adventure in the underground of Wawel.

Międzymurze is an architectural palimpsest of Wawel Hill – a raw space where medieval fortifications dating back to the 9th century intersect with relics of later reconstructions. The exhibition tells the story of the fortifications of Wawel, the history of the hill’s formation, and presents a spectacular interpretation of the legend of the Wawel Dragon.

In this unique project we were responsible for the comprehensive development of the multimedia script and the production of all audiovisual content. Our goal was to create a narrative that would reveal historical layers without compromising the authenticity and atmosphere of the underground. Working in such a demanding historic environment required a subtle balance of means of expression and of intervention in this archaeological and architectural reserve.

The visit opens with the story of the expansion of early medieval defensive ramparts, realised through mapping on a model and large-format animation.

Particularly spectacular, however, are two large-format animated films prepared by us, displayed as elaborate projections directly onto the historic walls. One of them has an unusual resolution and a unique wall layout, specially adapted to the architectural conditions of the underground. Both animations were realised using a system of 23 projectors integrated with immersive sound. In this way a deep, multidimensional audiovisual environment was created, in which image and sound form a single space of experience.

The first film presents the geological history of the hill that over time became the most important symbol of Polish statehood.

The second animation, shown in the final exhibition room, is an original take on the legend of the Wawel Dragon. Seeking the right style and form, we rejected popular clichés and turned to the oldest source – the 12th-century account by Wincenty Kadłubek. We wanted to preserve its historical core, modernising the language only enough for it to be fully understandable and engaging for today’s viewer. The medieval text thus became the starting point for a contemporary interpretation using the plasticity of light, shadow and movement, with the effect of immersion intensified by specially designed spatial sound.

The result of our work is a coherent and discreet visual language that works closely with the historic fabric. Light and digital image act as a quiet guide – they do not compete with the historical matter, but reveal the layers of time hidden within it.

Achieving such a precise result, and the final shape of the exhibition, is also thanks to close cooperation with Dr Magdalena Młodawska, curator of the exhibition, and Mariola Kulczyńska, project manager.

Confirmation of the highest quality of the completed project is the Audience Award and a Distinction in the investment category at the Sybilla 2025 Event of the Year competition – the most important and most prestigious event in Polish museology.