Museums in Gdańsk

Among the landmarks and picturesque streets of Gdańsk, there are numerous museums housing impressive collections. The exhibits in local museums are a real treat for enthusiasts of history, art, and culture. Discover which places to include in your trip itinerary and learn useful information about access, ticket prices, and opening hours of various institutions. Also, check when you can visit Gdańsk's museums for free.

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Museum of the Second World War

The Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk is located on the outskirts of the historic city center, near the Polish Post Office building, which was heroically defended by its employees on September 1, 1939, against overwhelming German forces. The permanent exhibition covers about 5,000 square meters and comprehensively presents the history of the armed conflict from 1939-1945, including its origins, course, and consequences. It's worth noting that the museum does not solely focus on the fate of Poles during WWII. It successfully captures a broader perspective that includes the involvement of various countries and the global repercussions of the war.

The museum was officially opened in 2017. One of its greatest assets is the accessible and engaging presentation of information. The creators skillfully combined artifacts from the war period with modern technological solutions, allowing each visitor to tailor their experience according to their preferences.

The museum's premises include educational rooms, a space for temporary exhibitions, as well as a library and archives, accessible to all interested parties. The museum also hosts numerous meetings and conferences aimed at broadening awareness of WWII and related topics.

Particular attention should also be paid to the museum's modern architectural form, which incorporates references to 1940s architectural art.

Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk — Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, and on Tuesdays (when entrance is free) from 10:00 to 16:00. In July and August, the opening hours from Wednesday to Sunday are extended to 20:00. The museum is closed on Mondays. The regular ticket price for the main exhibition is 29 PLN. Concession tickets are available for 22 PLN. If you plan to visit the museum, it's advisable to allocate at least 3 hours to explore it.

Getting to the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk

The museum is located at Władysława Bartoszewskiego Square 1. You can get there:

• By city bus – line 130 from the Main Station to the Muzeum II Wojny Światowej stop – 160 meters to the Museum.
• By tram – lines 3, 8, 10 from the Main Station to the Plac Solidarności stop – 1.3 km to the Museum.
• On foot from the Main Station through the Podwale Staromiejskie – 22 minutes.
• By PKP/SKM train – Main Station stop - 1.5 km to the Museum.
• By bicycle from the Main Station through the Podwale Staromiejskie – 7 minutes.
• By car from the Main Station through the Podwale Staromiejskie – 11 minutes – the museum has its own two-level underground parking with 132 spaces available for visitors. The entrance to the parking is from Wałowa Street.

Solidarity Museum — Gdańsk

The European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk is a combination of a museum, library, educational center, and a venue for discussions about history. The main theme is the activity of the "Solidarity" trade union and other opposition organizations in communist Poland and other Eastern Bloc countries. The facility is located near the Gdańsk Shipyard, the birthplace of the “Solidarity” movement that opposed the then-government.

The main attraction is the permanent exhibition. By visiting the exhibit, you can step by step trace the history of Solidarity, focusing particularly on pivotal events. The information is presented in an accessible format that includes multimedia materials and unique items from the PRL era. The exhibition also includes sections dedicated to the challenges and achievements of the transformation that began in 1989. A visit to the ECS is a great opportunity to enrich your knowledge about the not-so-distant events that continue to be part of public debate today.

The European Solidarity Centre also serves as an important educational hub. Numerous workshops, conferences, and meetings with historical witnesses are organized on-site.

Getting to the Solidarity Museum in Gdańsk

The European Solidarity Centre is located at Solidarity Square 1, close to the city center. You can reach the destination by:

• Tram to stops Plac Solidarności, Dworzec PKP, Brama Oliwska (all located no more than 700 meters from the destination),
• Bus to stops Europejskie Centrum Solidarności or Jana z Kolna (approximately 150 m and 250 m from the destination, respectively),
• SKM to Gdańsk Main Station, which is one kilometer away from the museum.

European Solidarity Centre — Opening Hours

From May to September, the building is open to visitors daily from 10:00 to 20:00. During the other months, it closes at 18:00. For the permanent exhibition, the opening hours are as follows:

• May — September
• Monday — Friday: from 10:00 to 19:00
• Saturday — Sunday: from 10:00 to 20:00
• October — April
• Monday, Wednesday — Friday: from 10:00 to 17:00
• Saturday — Sunday: from 10:00 to 18:00
• Tuesday: closed

European Solidarity Centre — Tickets

Admission to the permanent exhibition costs 35 PLN, while concession tickets are priced at 30 PLN. However, it's worth visiting in a larger group — then you can purchase family or group tickets at affordable prices.

Main Town Hall

The Main Town Hall is one of Gdańsk’s most significant landmarks. This monumental building is located in the heart of the historic city center on Długi Targ. The building serves both representative and museum functions. Its history dates back to the mid-14th century, although construction continued into the 15th century. The Town Hall was reconstructed after the damage it suffered during World War II.

One of the most distinctive features of this Gothic building is its tower, which stands over 83 meters tall, offering a stunning view of the city's panorama. The interiors house many valuable works of art and historical items. The Red Room, renowned for its rich variety of decorations, is among its most famous attractions.

Visit the following pages for more information:

• Opening hours: https://bip.muzeumgdansk.pl/ogolne-dane/godziny-otwarcia/
• Ticket prices: https://bip.muzeumgdansk.pl/ogolne-dane/ceny-biletow/
• If you have a Walkative! map, show it when purchasing tickets to receive a discount.

Artus Court

This is one of the city’s iconic landmarks, located on Długi Targ, right in the heart of the Main Town. The building was destroyed during World War II and was rebuilt after the war ended.

The Artus Court was constructed between 1476-1481. Its name refers to the legend of King Arthur, symbolizing brotherhood and valor. It once served as a meeting place for knightly brotherhoods, the city elite, and local authorities who would discuss trade and political issues. It also hosted significant city events.

The architecture of the building is an example of Hanseatic Gothic style with the façade decorated with sculptures and ornaments. Inside, visitors can admire richly decorated interiors, as well as a collection of art and crafts.

Before planning your visit, check out the following information:

• Opening hours: https://bip.muzeumgdansk.pl/ogolne-dane/godziny-otwarcia/
• Ticket prices: https://bip.muzeumgdansk.pl/ogolne-dane/ceny-biletow/
• If you have a Walkative! map, show it to receive a discount.

National Museum in Gdańsk

One of the oldest institutions of its kind in Poland, it was established in 1870 as a city museum of art and tradition. After World War II, it was transformed into the National Museum, which now has several branches. Each branch presents a different type of exhibit. The collections include works of art from painting, sculpture, and crafts, ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary times. Among the most valuable items are works by masters such as Hans Memling, Anton van Dyck, and Albrecht Dürer. The museum is especially famous for one of the most important works of late medieval art – the “Last Judgment” by Hans Memling.

Check the institution's website for opening hours and ticket prices applicable in each branch of the museum: https://www.mng.gda.pl/wizyta-w-muzeum/.

Amber Museum Gdańsk

The museum is located in the Great Mill, in the heart of the Old Town. The exhibitions cover a wide range of topics. Visitors can learn about the formation process of amber, its role in culture and art, and expand knowledge about its contemporary applications. The exhibit includes not only impressive pieces of amber but also refined objects made from this material: jewelry, decorative items, and unique works of art. The museum also provides insights into how amber extraction and processing have influenced the development of Gdańsk.

Visitor information is available on the following pages:

• Opening hours: https://bip.muzeumgdansk.pl/ogolne-dane/godziny-otwarcia/
• Ticket prices: https://bip.muzeumgdansk.pl/ogolne-dane/ceny-biletow/
• If you have a Walkative! map, show it when purchasing a ticket to receive a discount.

Free Admission to Gdańsk Museums — When to Visit?

Most of the museums described here can be visited for free. On Tuesdays, free entry is available at the Museum of the Second World War. On Mondays, you can get for free to the branches of the Gdańsk Museum, including the Main Town Hall, Amber Museum, and Artus Court.