Muzeum Żołnierzy Wyklętych i Więźniów Politycznych PRL

About the museum

The museum occupies part of the former Mokotów Prison at ul. Rakowiecka 37. The prison was built at the beginning of the 20th century, under Russian partition. During the Second World War the Germans used it as an auxiliary Gestapo prison, and after the outbreak of the Warsaw Uprising they began murdering prisoners there. After 1945 the communist authorities imprisoned and interrogated activists of the anti-communist underground here, and about 300 death sentences were carried out. In the years 1956–1989 opposition activists were held here, among them members of KOR, KPN, ROPCiO, Solidarity and Solidarność Walcząca (Fighting Solidarity).

The museum was established by a deed signed on 29 February 2016. The first exhibition was shown during the Museums Night on 14 May 2016, and from 2018 further parts of the site were opened to visitors. Since 17 March 2022 the managing body has been the Instytut Pamięci Narodowej (Institute of National Remembrance).

The site is visited only with a guide, who tells the history of the prison; part of the route runs outdoors. The museum also presents exhibitions on the site, including the multimedia exhibition “Solidarność Walcząca” (Fighting Solidarity) in the cells of the General Pavilion.

Key themes

• Guided tour of the historic Mokotów Prison
• “Solidarność Walcząca” exhibition in 18 cells of the General Pavilion
• Exhibition on martial law in Pavilion XII
• Free admission after the reservation has been confirmed
• Guided tours in Polish or English

Permanent exhibitions

• Zwiedzanie z przewodnikiem po historycznym więzieniu przy Rakowieckiej 37 – Guided route telling the history of the Mokotów Prison; part of the visit takes place outdoors.
• Solidarność Walcząca – Multimedia exhibition in 18 cells of the General Pavilion on anti-communist opposition in the PRL and the activity of Solidarność Walcząca, including abroad; available with a guide for people over 13.

Founded

2016

Operated by

Instytut Pamięci Narodowej

Director

Jacek Pawłowicz

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum is free of charge. A visit is possible only after the museum has confirmed the reservation.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: not available
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the museum, the site is not adapted for blind people and wheelchair users. The accessibility statement says that the museum buildings do not yet meet accessibility requirements because of ongoing renovation; only the administrative building does. Guide dogs and assistance dogs may enter the site. The car park at the museum has no designated spaces for people with disabilities, and the museum is about 400 m from the metro station and bus stops.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kids

The exhibition “Solidarność Walcząca” (Fighting Solidarity) is available only with a guide and for people over 13. A place of remembrance requires seriousness and is not intended for small children.

Getting there & parking

The main entrance is at ul. Rakowiecka 37. From the Central Station you can travel by bus 174, trams 17 and 3, or the metro to Pole Mokotowskie station.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Lockers

Lockers for bags and backpacks are available during the visit, and there is a toilet in the waiting room. The museum shop offers souvenirs, books and gifts.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit