Established in 1817 by Józef Maksymilian Ossoliński when he began collecting Polish manuscripts and cultural documents in his Vienna flat, recognising their importance to national culture after Poland was wiped from the world map, Ossoliński's private library became a national institute and was eventually moved to L'viv where it expanded generously. After post-war border changes the collection was moved to Wrocław, however communist authorities confiscated over 80% of it which presumably remains in L'viv today. It was rebuilt to its late 17th century designs after being damaged heavily during WWII