Muzeum Neonów

About the museum

The Muzeum Neonów documents and preserves post-war light advertising. Since 2005 its founders have been researching and restoring old neon signs, the remnants of large neonisation projects carried out in the countries of the Eastern Bloc. It is the first museum of its kind in Poland and one of the few in the world devoted to former light advertising. The museum’s directors are David S. Hill and Ilona Karwińska, and the institution is run by the Fundacja Neon (Neon Foundation).

The permanent collection comprises about a hundred old neon signs and other advertising installations, many of which were designed by well-known artists and graphic designers associated with the Polish school of poster art. Visitors can view the neon signs up close and appreciate the skill of the designers and craftsmen. The museum not only collects neon signs that can no longer hang in their original places, but also runs the campaign “Akcja Renowacja!” (Restoration Campaign), in which it restores and relights historic neon signs in the urban space; one of them is the red Kogut Cepelii (Cepelia Rooster) at ul. Grzybowska 37.

The museum is currently located on the fourth floor of the Palace of Culture and Science, in the heart of Warsaw. It is a private institution, funded by visitors’ admission fees and the support of sympathisers. It organises special events, lessons, film screenings and guided tours. After prior booking and for an additional fee, the collections can also be viewed outside opening hours.

Highlights

• About a hundred original neon signs and light advertisements from the post-war period
• Designs by well-known artists associated with the Polish school of poster art
• Location on the fourth floor of the Palace of Culture and Science
• “Akcja Renowacja!” – restoring neon signs in the urban space, including the Kogut Cepelii
• Guided tours, lessons and film screenings

Permanent exhibition

• Kolekcja Muzeum Neonów – Permanent display of about a hundred old neon signs and advertising installations from the post-war period, often designed by outstanding artists and graphic designers.

Founded

2005

Operated by

Fundacja Neon (KRS 0000386300)

Director

David S. Hill, Ilona Karwińska

Admission & discounts

Tickets can be bought at the museum’s ticket office or online. Purchased tickets are not refundable or exchangeable.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

Access for people with disabilities is from ul. Emilii Plater or from ul. Marszałkowska. The lifts are on the left-hand side of the stairs to the Palace of Culture and Science. The main entrance is from ul. Marszałkowska; the museum is on the 4th floor, and side lifts run from level –1.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the Palace of Culture and Science; the main entrance is from ul. Marszałkowska, 4th floor.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check

Backpacks, suitcases and camera bags are left at reception at the owner’s own risk.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 700 guests.

Event space of about 1,000 m² in the Palace of Culture and Science: a seated banquet for about 300 people or a standing reception for about 700 people; Wi-Fi access for tenants, a sound system and a goods lift.

Plan your visit