Racławice Panorama in Wrocław | Amazing & Engaging in 2025

In June 2025, my wife and I visited Wrocław. One of the key points of our visit was the Battle of Racławice Panorama painting.

The Polish painter Jan Styka (1858 – 1925) from Lwów (now Lviv, Ukraine) conceived the idea for the painting The Panorama of the Battle of Racławice. Styka invited the renowned Polish battle scene painter Wojciech Kossak to collaborate on the project. Other high-profile painters of the time also collaborated on the painting.

The Battle of Racławice against the Russian occupiers took place on the 4th of April 1794, in Racławice, Russian-occupied Poland. General Tadeusz Kościuszko led the Polish insurgent army to a decisive victory over the Russian army led by General Aleksander Tormasov.

Source: National Museum in Wrocław Panorama of the Battle of Racławice. In English.

This battle in 1794 took place between the second and third Partitions of Poland, which occurred in 1772, 1793 and 1795. While the Battle of Racławice was victorious, Poland disappeared from the map following the last partiton in 1795. You can read more about the Partitions of Poland below.

More Information About The Partitions of Poland

During the last quarter of the 18th century, Poland was partitioned three times (1772, 1793, and 1795) among Austria, Prussia, and Russia. The first and second partitions divided Poland between those conquering powers, while leaving a small part of Poland still nominally independent. The final partition of 1795 by the same powers resulted in the disappearance of Poland as an independent nation. Poland’s sovereignty was restored in 1918 following the end of World War I.

Battle of Racławice Panorama Photo Gallery

You can click on or touch any photograph below to see a larger image and to cycle through the gallery. If you are viewing on a mobile phone, please click or touch the pictures above the text captions.

Entrance to the Battle of Raclawice Panorama in Wroclaw. — Raclawice Panorama entry

General Kosciuszko leads in battle. — Raclawice Panorama entry

Our Thoughts About the Battle of Racławice Panorama

This permanent exhibition was one of the highlights of our visit to Wrocław. We were utterly blown away by the immersive realism of the painting, which measures 15 metres high by 114 metres wide. The exhibition display building is circular, allowing you to walk around and view the painting from start to finish. While the painting is static, I would describe it as a whole, high-definition cinematic experience. I hope the photographs above have given you some idea of the experience.

I believe that the Battle of Racławice Panorama in Wrocław is a must-see for anyone interested in Polish history and art. For my wife and me, this was an unforgettable experience.

More About Tadeusz Kościuszko in The American War of Independence

As a military engineer and fortifications specialist, Tadeusz Kościuszko played a crucial role in the American victory during the American War of Independence (1775–1783). He planned and directed the building of important fortifications, such as the vital defences at West Point, which were essential to the victory of the Continental Army. Several significant conflicts, most notably the Battle of Saratoga, which is regarded as a turning point in the war, greatly benefited from his military engineering expertise. Information based on an article at Wikipedia. In English.

In his will, Kościuszko left the proceeds of his American estate to fund the liberation of enslaved Black people and prepare them for independent life and employment. Sadly, despite President Jefferson being the initial executor of the will, Kościuszko’s wishes in his will never came to fruition due to multiple changes of executors combined with unsuccessful legal battles in American courts and claims to the proceeds of his estate by other parties. Source: Jstor. The American Will of Thaddeus Kosciuszko. Subscription required.

Portrait of Tadeusz Kosciuszko. — Portrait of Tadeusz Kościuszko

Kościuszko is shown wearing the eagle of the Society of the Cincinnati, awarded to him by General Washington. Source: Wikipedia.

It remains a fact that, based on his speeches, letters, and last testament, Kościuszko was a fervent abolitionist who denounced slavery and racial discrimination. Source: Polishness and #BlackLivesMatter – the surreptitious legacy of General Tadeusz Kościuszko. European Border Communities.

Our Tips For Visiting The Exhibition

If you are visiting during the high season, it is essential to book your tickets at least a day in advance of your planned visit. The tickets are timed, and when we visited, we observed many disappointed visitors as tickets had sold out for that day.

Disabled Access at The Racławice Panorama

I am not an expert in disabled access issues. The museum has a very short section on its website about “Facilities for people with a disability“. I understand from that section that this may apply to all departments of the museum. However, it may not specifically apply to the Racławice Panorama building.

At the panorama, I observed there was a step-free upward incline to reach the viewing platform. On the day I visited, one wheelchair user was viewing the painting from what I would describe as a dedicated area for wheelchair users. This area was located behind the visitors who were standing. I also observed that this wheelchair user was standing with the aid of a walking stick. This may have been to view the painting more clearly. If you require more detailed disability information for the panorama, I advise contacting the museum by phone to inquire further.