Muzeum Bursztynu w Gdańsku

About the museum

Gdańsk is called the world capital of amber, because for centuries jewellery and utilitarian objects were made here from jantar (amber). The Muzeum Bursztynu (Amber Museum), a branch of the Muzeum Gdańska, presents this tradition in a modern, multimedia exhibition.

The museum is housed in the Wielki Młyn (Great Mill), built by the Teutonic Knights before 1364. It was one of the largest structures in medieval Gdańsk and the largest industrial plant in medieval Europe. It operated until the end of the Second World War and was rebuilt in 1962.

On the first floor of the exhibition, visitors travel millions of years back in time and learn how amber formed. The floor above tells the story of amber in culture, with art both historical and contemporary. The collection includes amber lumps from around the world with embedded plants and animals, the largest spider inclusion in amber in the world, and a 68-kilogram lump from Sumatra.

Highlights

• The largest spider inclusion in amber in the world
• 68-kilogram lump of amber from Sumatra
• About a thousand exhibits, from lumps from around the world to masterpieces by old masters
• Collection of modern art featuring amber
• The Great Mill, dating from the era of the Teutonic Knights, as the museum’s home

Permanent exhibition

• Wystawa stała Muzeum Bursztynu – Two floors on how amber forms and on its role in culture, with lumps from around the world, inclusions, works by old masters and modern art.

Founded

2000

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Monday – free admission.

The electronic ticket can be bought online and shown on a phone.

Accessibility

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

The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users. The entrance for wheelchairs leads through the courtyard at the back of the Wielki Młyn from ul. Na Piaskach, and the building has two lifts and accessible toilets on every floor. Visitors with visual impairments can use two tactile models and tiflographic plans, as well as replicas of exhibits to touch. One ticket desk has an induction loop. The smartphone audio guide comes in a basic version, a version with audio description, an easy-to-read text version and a family version. Walking frames, wheelchairs, crutches, noise-cancelling headphones and magnifying glasses can be borrowed. Accessibility coordinator: dostepnosc@muzeumgdansk.pl, SMS 797 013 430.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

On each floor there are educational points with riddles and games about amber, and a version of the audio guide for families is available.

Getting there & parking

The main entrance is from ul. Wielkie Młyny, next to the fountain; the exit is opposite St Catherine’s Church (kościół św. Katarzyny).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Wi-Fi

Shop selling jewellery made from Baltic amber and museum souvenirs; cloakroom at the branch. The Wi-Fi password is given out by ticket desk staff (for use with the audio guide).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The Muzeum Gdańska offers hire of spaces, weddings and photo shoots.

Plan your visit