Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk
Photo: Own work — CC BY 3.0 pl, via Wikimedia Commons
The Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk presents comprehensive exhibitions on World War II, located near the Motława River in Gdańsk.
Planning your visit
The Second World War began at Gdańsk. The German battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the Polish garrison at Westerplatte on 1 September 1939, and the museum stands a short distance from that spot.
Opened in 2017, it is one of the largest historical museums in Europe, with its main exhibition entirely underground beneath a leaning tower — some 5,000 square metres covering the war's origins, course and consequences, with heavy emphasis on civilian experience and on the war in Eastern Europe, which Western accounts frequently underweight.
The museum became politically contested almost immediately. The incoming Polish government replaced its director and altered parts of the exhibition, arguing it was insufficiently national in focus; the original curators objected publicly. That dispute is itself instructive about how contested war memory remains in Poland.
Allow three hours; the exhibition is dense and emotionally demanding. Bookable options include guided tours. Current availability is listed below.
Before you book
Where is Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk?
Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk is in Gdańsk, Poland.
How long should I allow for Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk?
Allow three hours. That is the time the collection itself takes at an unhurried pace, before any queue.
Do I need to book Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk in advance?
Tickets can be bought on the door at quiet times, but booking ahead fixes the date and avoids the queue at busy ones. Live availability is shown on this page.
