The Działyński Palace stands on the south side of the Old Market Square, its red neoclassical facade decorated with sculpted eagles giving it an unmistakable presence among the colourful merchants' houses. Built between 1773 and 1776 for Count Jan Działyński, it became one of the centres of Polish cultural life under Prussian rule — a private home that served as a meeting point for Polish patriots, writers, and intellectuals who could not openly organise in public institutions.
The palace now houses a branch of the Raczynski Library with a reading room that is open to visitors, and its ballroom hosts cultural events. The facade is the main attraction for most visitors — the carved decoration and classical proportions make it one of the most distinguished buildings on the square. Look for the bas-reliefs of Polish kings above the main windows.