Państwowe Muzeum Archeologiczne w Warszawie
Archaeology museum in the historic Arsenal on ul. Długa; the permanent exhibition “Prahistoria ziem polskich” (Prehistory of the Polish Lands) covers the period from the Palaeolithic to the early Middle Ages.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The State Archaeological Museum in Warsaw was established in 1923–1928. It was based first on an organisational decree of 1923, and in 1928 a presidential decree gave it the status of a state scientific research institution. The museum’s tasks were the study of the prehistory of the Polish lands, the protection of monuments and the dissemination of archaeological knowledge.
In its first years the institution changed premises several times: it was housed, among other places, in the former Cadet School in the Łazienki Royal Park, in the building of the National Museum and at ul. Chocimska. From 1957 its permanent home has been the Warsaw Arsenal at ul. Długa 52. Since 1999 the museum has been a local government cultural institution, whose founding body is the Board of the Masovian Voivodeship.
The largest exhibition is “Prahistoria ziem polskich”, which leads from the beginnings of settlement to the early reign of Bolesław Krzywousty (Bolesław III Wrymouth) and presents the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages. Visitors will see, among other things, reconstructions, models and dioramas, including a hut of Ice Age hunters built from mammoth bones. The educational programme includes museum lessons and workshops at which participants model clay vessels, weave krajka (narrow woven bands) and make jewellery.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition “Prahistoria ziem polskich” – from the Palaeolithic to the early Middle Ages
- Reconstruction of a mammoth-bone hut and dioramas of how past communities lived
- Hunter’s grave from Janisławice with a necklace made of aurochs teeth
- Bronze treasures of the Trzciniec culture, including the diadem from Dratów
- Based in the historic Warsaw Arsenal
- Archaeology lessons and workshops for groups
Permanent exhibition
- Prahistoria ziem polskich – The museum’s largest permanent exhibition, presenting the history of people on Polish territory from the beginnings of settlement to the early reign of Bolesław Krzywousty: the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages.
- Founded
- 1928
- Operated by
- Samorząd Województwa Mazowieckiego
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 15 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 8 zł |
| Groups | –Group bookings are accepted by the Exhibitions and Outreach Department: +48 661 020 087. |
From 4 August 2026 admission to the museum is charged. Holders of the Karta Dużej Rodziny receive a 50% discount.
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: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The permanent exhibition “Prahistoria ziem polskich” is on the ground floor and is also accessible to wheelchair users.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
The children’s favourite attraction is the reconstruction of the mammoth-bone hut. Workshops in clay modelling and weaving are available for groups.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Ratusz Arsenał
Metro: Ratusz Arsenał station (line M1). Buses: 107, 111, 160, 190; trams: 4, 15, 18, 20, 23, 26; at Plac Bankowy, among others, bus 171; at Plac Krasińskich, among others, buses 116, 178, 180, 503, 518.
Amenities & 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
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum runs museum lessons and practical activities for groups (including clay-vessel making, krajka weaving and jewellery making); bookings at +48 661 020 087 or by e-mail (wystawy@pma.pl). |
