Muzeum II Wojny Światowej w Gdańsku
One of the largest history museums in Europe, with a main exhibition on the Second World War covering about 5,000 square metres.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was established in 2008 by a decision of the Minister of Culture. It was initially named the Westerplatte Museum, but the same year it was renamed the Museum of the Second World War. The building was designed by the Gdynia studio “Kwadrat”, which won the architectural competition in 2010. The museum opened on 23 March 2017.
The seat stands in the centre of Gdańsk, near the Motława river, close to the Polish Post building, the Gdańsk Shipyard and the BHP Hall. The building has about 23,000 square metres and nine floors, and the main exhibition occupies about 5,000 square metres, which places it among the largest exhibitions of this kind in the world.
In its first year the museum was visited by more than 400,000 people, and the millionth visitor was welcomed in November 2018. The institution also includes a branch, the Westerplatte Museum, a museum cinema, a library with a media library, a conference centre and a publishing house.
Highlights
- Main exhibition on the Second World War covering about 5,000 m²
- Exhibition for children included in the price of the main exhibition ticket
- Audio guide in 14 languages
- Free admission on Tuesdays (tickets collected at the ticket offices)
- Kino Muzeum (museum cinema), restaurant with café and bistro bar in the building
Permanent exhibition
- Wystawa główna – An extensive exhibition on the course and consequences of the Second World War, covering about 5,000 square metres; some sections are temporarily closed for renovation work.
- Founded
- 2017
- Director
- Grzegorz Berendt
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 33 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 23 zł |
| Children & teens | –The ticket for the main exhibition also includes the exhibition for children. |
| Groups (10+ people) | 33 zł per personGroups of more than 10 people: standard ticket PLN 33, reduced PLN 23; one supervisor for every 10 people enters free. |
| Families | 72 złFor a maximum of five people: one or two adults and children under 19. |
| Audio guide for the main exhibition | 12 złAvailable in 14 language versions. |
| Tourguide (device for guided group tours) | 7 zł |
| Educational sessions – kindergartens | 10 złSupervisors free of charge. |
| Educational sessions – primary and secondary schools | 15 złSupervisors free of charge. |
| Kino Muzeum – standard ticket | 18 złReduced PLN 15; family screening for children under 13 PLN 10. |
Free admission: Tuesday – free admission (museum open until 16:00); free tickets are collected at the ticket offices, without booking, with a limit of 2,500 people per day.
Tickets can be bought at the ticket offices or through the online sales system (limited number for each time slot). The only authorised online sales point is bilety.muzeum1939.pl.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours
- Easy-to-read materials
- Audio description
The museum states that the building is adapted for visits by people with disabilities. Wheelchairs can be borrowed at the information point, and guided tours in sign language and with audio description are available. A route in Easy-to-Read text (ETR) has also been prepared.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | 72 zł · For a maximum of five people: one or two adults and children under 19. |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The ticket for the main exhibition includes the exhibition for children; family screenings take place in the Kino Muzeum.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The museum has an underground car park with an entrance from ul. Wałowa.
The museum lies in the city centre, near the Motława river, close to the Polish Post building, the Gdańsk Shipyard and the BHP Hall.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
- Museum shop
The building houses a restaurant with café and a bistro bar; there is also a museum shop.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
The museum runs a conference centre.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (PL, UK, EN, FR, ES, DE, RU, IT, CS, LT, SV, DA, NO, FI) |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | For individual visits to the main exhibition, the museum recommends an audio guide. Information point (visit organisation, ticket sales): +48 58 760 09 60; group ticket bookings: +48 58 766 83 68 or 536 810 350. |
