Casus Muzeum Kazimierza Dolnego

The author, conservator, for many years past, of historical monuments in Lublin Voivodship — describes the case', unprecedented in monument preservation and, namely, of the functions being combined in Kazimierz Dolny of director of the museum and those of conservator of historical monuments, the scope of his activities covering the whole o f the landscape area and historical grouping o f Kazimierz. This involved, of course, transferrence of many administrative powers to the conservator. And the problem as such resulted not only from the historical character of that little town but also from the almost twohundred year long tradition of the protection o f its historical monuments. Hence the descriptiop of the activities carried on there by Karol Siciński, architect and conservator, who was the first to prepare a regional development plan. The present appearance of Kazimierz Dolny was affected by the situation prevailing there in 1958—1971, after Kazimierz Sicinski’s death, when the town and its immediate surrounding were actually deprived o f any direct conservator protection. The little town’s dilema was then the discord of its unique cultural and tourist position with its status o f a locality of the lowest administrative rank. A precise analysis of the conditions of the protection of its historical monuments has resulted in instituting the post of conservator of Kazimierz and its surroundings. Proceeding with his deliberations the author recapitulates the activities carried on in the field for the five years past. The most important of them were: the buying out from its owner of the ruined Janowiec Castle and taking up of the work on its conservation; preparation o f the plans for spatial development of Kazimierz; curbing of spontaneous building; commencement of the work on conservation o f the town’s historical monuments: the ruins of the castle; the granary; the decoration and interior of Celej House. The major difficulties encountered in the conservation activities result from opposition on the part o f real estate owners. Revalorization of Kazimierz is carried on under the auspices of the Minister of Culture and Art, and with the support of the bodies o f state administration, those of regional management and environment protection, and o f voivodship authorities. The Museum has possibilities of employing specialists in various problems and commands of additional financial means which enable taking up of the respective proceedings in consonance with the needs of revalorization. The author concludes his paper in pointing out to the conclusions ensuing to conservation practice from the experience acquired in its activity by the Museum discussed.