Muzeum Historii Torunia

About the museum

The Muzeum Historii Torunia (Museum of the History of Toruń) is a branch of the Muzeum Okręgowe w Toruniu (Toruń Regional Museum) and is housed in the Dom Eskenów (Eskenów House) at ul. Łazienna 16, in the historic centre of the city. The building dates from the 14th century and has survived wars, fires and changes of era; in the past, wealthy merchants and prominent residents of Toruń lived there.

The permanent exhibition “Toruń i jego historia” (Toruń and Its History) occupies five floors. It tells the story of the city from prehistoric times, through the Middle Ages and the Hanseatic era with the participation of the Teutonic Order, the early modern period, the Prussian partition and the building of the fortress, to the interwar period, the Second World War and the years of the Polish People’s Republic (PRL). The narrative is carried mainly by multimedia: more than thirty stations, mostly in three language versions, touch screens, films with voice-over and a timeline with short films.

The collection includes, among other things, old weapons, coins, costumes, insignia of municipal authorities, and one of the few surviving Enigma encryption machines in Poland. An additional attraction is the 3D film “Księga Toruń” (Book of Toruń), and in the cellar there is an educational space for the youngest. From 2 March 2026 the museum has been closed to visitors because of a renovation funded by EU funds, which is to last until the end of the year.

Highlights

• exhibition “Toruń i jego historia” (Toruń and Its History) across five floors
• Enigma encryption machine
• 3D film “Księga Toruń” (Book of Toruń)
• multimedia presentations on the Tuba Dei bell and the Polish–Swedish wars
• educational cellar for children with puzzles and short films
• 14th-century Eskenów House

Permanent exhibition

• Toruń i jego historia – A multimedia story of the city’s history from prehistory to the PRL, across five floors, with the 3D film “Księga Toruń” and an Enigma machine.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Muzeum Okręgowe w Toruniu

Director

Aleksandra Mierzejewska

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On Thursdays admission to the permanent and temporary exhibitions is free.

Prices before the closure: standard ticket PLN 29, reduced PLN 25, covering the exhibition rooms and the 3D show. After reopening the price list may change.

Accessibility

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

The exhibitions are entered from the ground floor by high stairs, or through a side entrance using a folding platform made of two rails. The building has a lift leading to the exhibitions, except for the educational part in the cellar; a toilet for people with disabilities is on the ground floor. The building has no level barriers or narrow passages. The exhibition has films with voice-over, touch screens and a timeline with short films.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

In the educational cellar, children can assemble puzzles of Toruń buildings and costumes from past eras, and in part of the exhibition they can build models of churches from wooden elements and try on the costume of a Teutonic Knight.

Getting there & parking

The museum is closed for renovation, which is to last until the end of 2026.

Amenities & dining

The museum is closed for renovation, which is to last until the end of 2026.

Events & venue rental

The museum is closed for renovation, which is to last until the end of 2026.

Plan your visit