Centrum Interpretacji Zabytku

About the museum

The concept of the Centre for the Interpretation of the Monument arose in 2005 as part of a project to renovate and adapt the cellars of Warsaw’s Old Town for cultural purposes; they lie in an area inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Before the adaptation work, archaeologists uncovered 14th-century foundations of the city walls, which were incorporated into the exhibition. The centre was opened to visitors on 24 January 2013; the investment was made in cooperation with the Norwegian city of Bergen and with funding from the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism.

The name refers to the idea of an interpretation centre, that is an institution which popularises knowledge of cultural and natural heritage using multimedia and interactive forms of presentation. The permanent exhibition “Destruction and Reconstruction of the Old Town” tells the story of Warsaw’s Old Town before the Second World War, during the war and after it. It shows the reconstruction begun in 1949, almost entirely completed within five years, and the inscription of the Old Town on the UNESCO list in September 1980 as the first historic reconstruction on that list.

The tour begins with an exposed fragment of a medieval wall and continues through rooms with photographs of destruction, a model of the Old Town set into the floor, photographs from the reconstruction and information about the Warsaw Capital Reconstruction Office (Biuro Odbudowy Stolicy). The exhibition is supplemented by multimedia displays with maps, biographies, radio plays and archive films, as well as a staged architect’s studio. The centre also runs lectures, workshops for children and young people and museum lessons.

Highlights

• Exposed fragment of the medieval city wall from the 14th century
• Model of the Old Town set into the floor
• The only colour photographs of the Warsaw Uprising, by Ewa Faryszewska
• Multimedia displays with maps, biographies, radio plays and archive films
• Staged architect’s studio with authentic objects

Permanent exhibition

• Zniszczenie i odbudowa Starego Miasta – Multimedia permanent exhibition on the fate of Warsaw’s Old Town before, during and after the Second World War, its reconstruction and its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Founded

2013

Operated by

Muzeum Warszawy

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Admission is free on Thursdays.

A 30% discount on individual tickets upon presentation of the Large Family Card, the Warszawiak Card or the Young Warszawiak Card; the Warsaw Pass is also accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entrance to the building is at ground level, and inside there are two platforms for wheelchairs: a vertical one (load capacity 385 kg, dimensions 134×109 cm) and a stair platform (load capacity 225 kg, dimensions 100×77 cm). Accessible toilets are on level -1, and staff have a wheelchair available. The lecture hall has a small ramp. The surroundings of the museum (ul. Celna and ul. Brzozowa) have a sloping paved surface. On level 1 there are tactile graphics and audio recordings, and the ticket desk has an induction loop. Parking spaces for people with disabilities are designated nearby (ul. Zapiecek 1, Kanonia 8, Podwale 3 and 11, Kilińskiego 1); they cannot be reserved.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The programme includes family workshops (e.g. from the “Architektywi” series) and a family ticket; the exhibition combines traditional and multimedia elements.

Getting there & parking

Veturilo city bike stations: Miodowa and pl. Krasińskich.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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