Museum of the Second World War
Pomorskie
The Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk, Poland, is a state cultural institution established in 2008 and opened to the public in 2017. It is devoted to presenting the history of World War II with a special emphasis on the Polish experience and the broader European and global context. The museum aims to educate visitors about the war's causes, course, and consequences, while commemorating victims of totalitarian regimes and heroes who fought for freedom. The building was designed following an architectural competition won by the Kwadrat team, with exhibition design by NV Tempora and Qumak S.A. The museum's exhibitions were developed with input from renowned historians, including Norman Davies and Timothy Snyder, ensuring academic rigor and a broad historical perspective. A notable feature is the statue of Witold Pilecki, a Polish cavalry captain and resistance hero, erected outside the museum in 2019. The institution is supervised by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and serves as a guardian of collective memory, promoting values of freedom and civic responsibility.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to plan their visit in advance, as the museum is popular and can be busy, especially on weekends and holidays. Purchasing tickets online beforehand is recommended to avoid queues. The museum offers educational programs and exhibitions that are suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families and students. The best time to visit is during weekdays for a quieter experience. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups. The museum is accessible by public transport and has facilities for visitors with disabilities.
Interesting facts
- •The museum's concept was developed with the help of world-renowned historians such as Norman Davies and Timothy Snyder.
- •A statue of Witold Pilecki, a Polish cavalry captain who voluntarily entered Auschwitz to gather intelligence, stands in front of the museum since 2019.
- •The museum was originally named Westerplatte Museum before being renamed to represent a wider focus on World War II.
- •The museum's main exhibition design was commissioned to Warsaw-based Qumak S.A. after a competition.
- •The institution has been involved in legal and administrative disputes related to its merger with another museum, reflecting the complex politics of historical memory in Poland.
History
The Museum of the Second World War was established on September 1, 2008, initially named the Westerplatte Museum in Gdańsk.
It was renamed in November 2008 to its current name to reflect a broader scope.
The concept and exhibition design were developed by a team of historians and museologists, with contributions from international scholars.
The building construction began in 2012 following an architectural competition.
The museum opened its doors to the public on March 23, 2017.
In 2016, a governmental decision was made to merge it with the Museum of Westerplatte and the War of 1939, which led to legal disputes and administrative changes.
Leadership has changed multiple times, with notable directors including Paweł Machcewicz and Karol Nawrocki.
Place Guide
Main Exhibition Hall2017
The central exhibition presents a chronological and thematic narrative of World War II, including causes, major battles, the Holocaust, and the war's aftermath. It combines multimedia, artifacts, and personal stories to engage visitors deeply.
Witold Pilecki Statue2019
An outdoor monument dedicated to Witold Pilecki, a Polish resistance hero who volunteered to infiltrate Auschwitz to gather intelligence and organize resistance. The statue depicts him in cavalry uniform holding a camp cap.
Contact
Phone: 58 760 09 60
