The historic Collegium Anatomicum building in Lodz is set to undergo a comprehensive revitalization. The project will not only restore the building’s appearance but also give it a new socially beneficial role. At the complex on 60 Narutowicza Street, the Centre for Health and Social Initiatives and a Multimedia Museum will be established. Both will serve the local community as well as students and seniors.

On this occasion, a press briefing was held on Monday, August 11, 2025, with the participation of Joanna Skrzydlewska, Marshal of the Lodz Voivodeship, Prof. Janusz Piekarski, Rector of the Medical University of Lodz, and Dr. Tomasz Karauda, councillor of the Lodz Regional Assembly.

“I am glad that a university is joining the city’s revitalization process — a subject so close to my heart. All the more so, since this concerns a beautiful building, one of the most distinctive landmarks of Lodz. For over 100 years, the building has served many purposes, but for the people of Lodz it is best remembered as the Collegium Anatomicum — one of the most important places for generations of physicians who graduated from the Medical Academy. The project is valued at over PLN 21 million, with nearly PLN 19 million in funding support. Let me remind you that the Medical University of Lodz project is one of nine that received EU support in the call for urban revitalization projects. In total, the Board of the Lodz Voivodeship allocated PLN 150 million,” emphasized Joanna Skrzydlewska, Marshal of the Lodz Voivodeship.

The new role of the building refers back to its history — in the 19th century, it housed a Home for the Elderly and Disabled, and only after World War II did it become home to the Medical Academy in Lodz (today the Medical University of Lodz).

“Although anatomy has not been taught in this building for many years, for our university it remains a symbol of academic identity. For a long time, we have been striving to secure resources not only to restore its former glory but above all to prevent its inevitable degradation. Thanks to the funds received, the building will gain new life, becoming a place of meetings, education, and integration,” said Rector Prof. Janusz Piekarski.

The investment aims to activate the local community, improve safety and the aesthetics of the urban space in the immediate vicinity of the New Centre of Lodz, and preserve the city’s cultural and architectural heritage. Nearly PLN 19 million from the funds granted by the Marshal’s Office of the Lodz Voivodeship will be allocated for the project’s implementation.

The scope of work planned under the project includes:

• renovation of the Collegium Anatomicum building in line with conservation guidelines — interior arrangements for the Centre and the Museum,
• thermal modernization, foundation drying, replacement of the roof, and installation of new electrical and fire safety systems,
• adaptation of the building to the needs of people with disabilities (an elevator will be installed),
• creation of a pocket park with monitoring and green-blue infrastructure,
• improvement of the surrounding area and parking facilities.

The building on Narutowicza Street will also house a Multimedia Museum with four exhibitions dedicated primarily to the history of medicine in Lodz, military medicine, and innovations in the field of medicine.

“The investment in Collegium Anatomicum is an example of how to skillfully combine care for heritage with a modern approach to social activation. We are creating a space that has undeniable historical value, but at the same time will meet the needs of the local community,” emphasized Magdalena Krynke, Deputy Chancellor for Investment and Technical Affairs.

Currently, the complex at 60 Narutowicza Street houses several academic and administrative units of the University, including the Department of Sociology, the Department of Family Medicine, the Postgraduate Education Centre, and the Office for Public Procurement Services and Implementation.

Start date	January 7, 2025
Completion date	May 31, 2028
Total cost	Estimated at: PLN 21,3 million
Co-funding from the Regional Program European Funds for Łódzkie 2021–2027:	PLN 18,9 million