Żuraw

About the museum

The Żuraw (Crane) is a historic port crane that also served as a city gate on the Motława. The present form of the building dates from the middle of the 15th century, and according to the museum it is the largest and oldest object of its type in Europe. The interior houses a wooden mechanism driven by treadwheels 6–6.5 m high.

The building was later rebuilt. In 1962 it became the first seat of an independent maritime institution, from which today's National Maritime Museum (Narodowe Muzeum Morskie) grew. Since 1977 the building has been one of the branches of that museum.

After more than three years of repairs and modernisation, the Żuraw was reopened to visitors in April 2024 with a new permanent exhibition. The narrative leads through the port of Gdańsk in the 17th century, and the guide to the exhibition is the authentic figure of the merchant and shipowner Hans Kross.

Highlights

• The largest and oldest port crane of this type in Europe
• Wooden mechanism with treadwheels 6–6.5 m high
• Exhibition “Złoto za zboże. Morska potęga Gdańska” (“Gold for Grain: Gdańsk's Maritime Power”) on the port in the 17th century
• Multimedia and immersive stage sets, including a former port tavern
• View of the Motława from the Długie Pobrzeże quay

Permanent exhibition

• Złoto za zboże. Morska potęga Gdańska – The exhibition takes visitors to the port of Gdańsk in the 17th century and shows navigation, goods, trading rules, shipbuilding and port life, culminating in the crane mechanism with its treadwheels.

Founded

1962

Operated by

Narodowe Muzeum Morskie w Gdańsku

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Wednesday – free admission.

Prices apply until 31 December 2026. The list of reductions and free admissions is published by the museum on the website nmm.pl.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 building is not adapted for visits by people with mobility impairments or by people with low vision or blindness. Details are given in the accessibility statement on nmm.pl.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

The National Maritime Museum runs museum lessons, weekend workshops and “Urodziny w muzeum” (“Birthdays at the Museum”); holders of the Large Family Card buy tickets at a reduced price.

Getting there & parking

By car: along ulica Targ Drzewny, then along ul. Szeroka to its end. From Gdańsk Główny to the museum it is about 1,200 m.

Amenities & dining

• Lockers

Lockers and a toilet are available for visitors. The museum runs an online shop (nmm.pl/sklep).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit