Muzeum Więzienia „Pawiak”
Museum on the site of the former Pawiak prison, devoted to its history from 1835 to 1944 and the fate of its prisoners; currently closed for renovation.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Pawiak Prison Museum is a branch of the Museum of Independence in Warsaw and stands on the site of the former prison at ul. Dzielna. Pawiak operated from 1835, and during the German occupation in 1939–1944 it held prisoners from Warsaw and the surrounding area.
The museum building, designed by Mieczysław Mołdawa under the direction of Romuald Gutt, was erected on surviving foundations and fragments of the cellars of former wings VII and VIII. The entrance to the ground floor was placed where the former main gate stood, remnants of the prison walls were preserved, and in the reconstructed cells, grilles, hinges, locks and fittings found during the clearing of rubble were used. In the courtyard, marble slabs mark places associated with the martyrdom of prisoners, while other slabs commemorate camps and organisations.
The first exhibition on the history of Pawiak from 1939–1944 opened in 1964 in another venue, and the museum at its present location began operating on 28 November 1965 as a branch of the Museum of the History of the Polish Revolutionary Movement. At the ceremony, former prisoner Zygmunt Śliwicki spoke and read the Appeal of the Pawiak Prisoners. Since 27 February 2026 the museum has been closed to visitors because of the reconstruction of the roof and technical installations.
Key themes
- Preserved fragments of walls and reconstructed cells of the former prison
- Courtyard with marble slabs marking places of martyrdom
- History of Pawiak in 1835–1939 and 1939–1944
- Prisoner card index of Pawiak, also available online
- Audio guides and induction loops for visitors
Permanent exhibition
- Ekspozycja stała Muzeum Więzienia Pawiak – The exhibition in the reconstructed cells and former cellars tells the story of the prisoners of Pawiak in 1835–1944; the museum is currently closed for renovation.
- Founded
- 1965
- Operated by
- Muzeum Niepodległości w Warszawie (samorząd województwa mazowieckiego)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 20 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 10 złpupils, students and doctoral students, teachers, people over 65, pensioners and retirees, and people with disabilities together with their carers (citizens of EU states, Switzerland and EFTA). |
| Children & teens | 10 złfree up to age 6 · Children under 7 enter free of charge. |
| Visitors with disabilities | 10 złThe concession also applies to the carer; holders of the Mazovian Family Card for a Family with a Child with a Disability pay half the price. |
| Families | –Holders of the Large Family Card buy a ticket for PLN 1. |
| Guided tour (group of up to 30 people, price per group) | 150 złBooking about a month in advance; on selected weekends the guided tour is included in the admission price. |
Free admission: Admission is free every Thursday on a free ticket.
Prices apply to a single admission to the museum or branch. Free admission is granted, among others, to children under 7, former prisoners of detention centres, prisons and camps from 1939–1945, veterans, guardians of organised groups of more than 8 people, and holders of the Karta Polaka. Holders of the Karta Warszawiaka receive a 30% discount on guided tours.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking: not available
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: not available
- Sign language tours: not available
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Nine steps lead down to the entrance, which can be bypassed with a special platform at the side entrance on the right; the platform has no voice announcements or Braille markings. Five steps lead down to the largest exhibition room, with no stairlift. The interior is cramped and has no daylight. The visitors’ toilet is not adapted for people with disabilities, and there are no parking spaces for them in front of the entrance. The museum has audio guides, including for visually impaired people, and five induction loops; there are no tactile maps or sign language interpreters.
Kids & families
Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 14+
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|
The museum recommends visits from the age of 14 because of the subject matter; younger children should come only under adult supervision. Museum lessons are available for schools.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Anielewicza · 5-min walk
Buses 111 and 180, stop Anielewicza; trams 17 and 33, stop Nowolipki.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
- Accessible parking: not available
The entrance is from ul. Dzielna. There are no parking spaces for people with disabilities in front of the building. From the Nowolipki tram stop it takes about 10 minutes to walk.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | Because of the nature of the site, the museum is intended for young people over 14; younger people may enter in the care and under the responsibility of guardians, and school groups with their teachers. Guided tours are booked by phone (+48 22 831 92 89) or by e-mail (pawiak@muzn.pl); museum lessons are also offered. |
