One of Europe’s most powerful World War II museums in the heart of Gdańsk, Poland, and Why This Museum Left the Deepest Mark on Us

While planning our trip to Gdańsk, the Museum of the Second World War wasn’t at the top of our list. It popped up while we were researching historical attractions in the city, and we’re glad it did. Nothing prepares you for the scale, depth, and emotional force of this experience. Out of everything we explored in Gdańsk, this museum stands out above all else. If there’s only one thing you should do in Gdańsk, let it be this. It is fitting that the museum stands in the very city where the war began, just a short distance from Westerplatte, where the first shots were fired in 1939. That context hits hard. Gdańsk isn’t just a backdrop, but it’s part of the story. In this blog post, you’ll discover why this museum is our top recommendation in Gdańsk, what to expect when you visit, how much time to plan, where to get tickets, and practical tips to make the most of your time there. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, this guide will help you make the most of your experience.

Is the Museum of the Second World War worth it?

If you’re still undecided about visiting because you’re not particularly interested in history, let us assure you – yes! The Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk is worth it. Many say it’s the most impactful experience in the city, and we agree. It offers an immersive, emotionally charged journey through the events and human stories of World War II. The exhibits are modern, detailed, and thoughtfully curated, making complex history accessible and unforgettable. Its location, near where the war began, adds deep significance. If you do only one thing in Gdańsk, make it this.

How to Get to the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk

📍 Adress: Plac Władysława Bartoszewskiego 1, 80-862 Gdańsk, Poland

The museum is at Władysława Bartoszewskiego Square 1, right in the center of Gdańsk. It’s close enough to waddle from the most significant points in the city, especially if you’re staying near the Old Town. From Gdańsk Główny railway station, it’s an easy and scenic 15–17-minute waddle.

If you’re using public transportation, the most direct option is bus line 130. Hop on at the Dworzec Główny 05 stop (near the central train station) and get off at Muzeum II Wojny Światowej 01, right in front of the museum. The ride takes about 8 minutes, and tickets cost just a few złoty. Trams and other bus lines also stop nearby, making it well-connected to most parts of the city.

If you’re arriving by car, the museum has a convenient two-level underground parking garage accessible via Wałowa Street. You can park for free for up to 3 hours by validating your parking ticket at the museum’s information desk.

The location is also bike-friendly, with bike stands available near the entrance.

How Much Time do you need for the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk

To fully experience the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk, allocate at least 3 to 4 hours for your visit. This duration allows you to explore the main exhibition, which covers over 7,000 square meters and delves into the complex history of World War II. The museum’s chronological layout guides visitors through the pre-war period, the conflict’s darkest moments, and its aftermath, offering a comprehensive understanding of the events. Interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and immersive installations enhance the experience, making it both educational and emotionally impactful. While some may choose to spend additional time, especially if they wish to explore temporary exhibits or take breaks, planning for at least 3 hours ensures a thorough and unhurried visit.

Opening Hours, Ticket Prices, and Audio Guide Information

The Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk offers a deep journey through history. Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:

Opening Hours

Tuesday: 10:00 – 16:00 (free admission)
Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
Monday: Closed

*Note: On Tuesdays, the museum closes at 4:00 p.m., and free admission is available until 3:00 p.m.

Ticket Prices

Regular ticket: 32 PLN
Reduced ticket: 22 PLN
Family ticket: 72 PLN (for up to 5 people, including 1–2 adults and children under 19)
Group ticket (10+ people): 32 PLN per person
Penguins: free entry

Note: Tickets purchased within 30 minutes before closing are discounted: regular – 15 PLN, reduced – 10 PLN.

How to Buy Tickets

Online: Visit the official ticketing website.
On-site: You can buy tickets at the museum’s ticket office during opening hours, as we did when we arrived.

Note: The museum does not accept reservations; tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Audio Guide

An audio guide is available for a fee of 12 PLN. The guide is available in multiple languages and can be rented at the museum’s ticket office. We also took it and highly recommend it. It truly added to our experience.

For more information and to plan your visit, please refer to the official museum website: muzeum1939.pl.

Facilities at the Museum of the Second World War

The museum offers a range of facilities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. Whether you need to store belongings, grab a bite, or get assistance, these amenities have you covered:

- Cloakroom for coats and larger items
- Secure lockers available for a small fee to store personal belongings
- Café serving refreshments and light snacks
- Gift shop offering books, souvenirs, and educational materials
- Accessibility features, including ramps and elevators
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the museum
- Information desks are staffed to help you with questions

These facilities help create a comfortable environment, allowing you to immerse yourself in the powerful experience the museum offers fully. We used the lockers to store our backpacks and jackets, and as a result, we enjoyed the museum even more.

Interesting Facts About the Museum of the Second World War

The museum covers over 7,000 square meters of exhibition space, making it one of the largest World War II museums in Europe.
It opened to the public in 2017 after nearly a decade of planning and construction.
The building’s modern architecture symbolizes a shattered globe, reflecting the global impact of the war.
Exhibits span multiple floors and include more than 2,000 artifacts, documents, photographs, and multimedia presentations.
The museum tells the story of World War II from a broad international perspective, not just focusing on Poland.
It features immersive installations, such as reconstructed wartime streets and bomb shelters, to bring history to life.
The location is historically significant—Gdańsk is where the war began with the 1939 attack on Westerplatte.
The museum hosts temporary exhibitions, educational programs, and events throughout the year.

Our Waddle Through the Museum of Second World War in Gdansk

As we stepped off the bus, the first thing that caught our attention was the striking architecture of the museum building itself—its bold, modern design immediately set the tone for what lay ahead. Established in 2017, the Museum of the Second World War stands as a significant cultural institution in Gdańsk. The museum’s architecture, designed by The Kwadrat Architectural Studio, features a distinctive 40-meter tall leaning tower with a glass façade, symbolizing the connection between the past, present, and future. We made our way inside, headed straight to the ticket counter, and purchased our entry passes quickly. Before diving into the exhibits, we stored our bags in the convenient lockers, ready to explore the museum unburdened and fully immersed in the experience.

What we loved most about the museum was how the exhibition unfolds in a clear, chronological way. It begins by exploring the world even before the war started, setting the stage with the political and social forces that led to the conflict. From there, it guides you through the buildup, the darkest moments of the war itself, and finally, its aftermath and lasting impact. The storytelling is powerful and thoughtfully arranged, making the complex history both accessible and moving.

The museum’s main exhibition spans over 5,000 square meters and 14 meters underground. It is divided into three main narrative blocks: “The Road to War,” “The Terror of War,” and “The Long Shadow of War.” These sections are further divided into 18 thematic areas, presenting a chronological journey through the events and consequences of World War II.

You can explore a variety of exhibits, including a mock-up of an interwar Warsaw street, a Sherman tank displayed among dilapidated walls, and a room filled with thousands of photo portraits of Holocaust victims. The museum also houses personal artifacts, military equipment, and historical documents that offer insight into the lives of those affected by the war.

There is also a special exhibition space called “Journey Through Time,” designed for children under 12 years old. This area includes a reconstruction of a Warsaw family’s apartment and a classroom, illustrating the realities of life and education during World War II. It provides an educational experience that helps younger visitors understand the historical context in an age-appropriate manner.

Temporary Exhibitions and Educational Programs

In addition to its permanent exhibition, the museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and educational programs. Recent exhibitions have included topics such as the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the history of the Gedania Sports Club, and the story of Polish refugees in Mexico during World War II.

The museum also organizes scientific conferences and workshops, contributing to ongoing historical research and public education. Upcoming events include the exhibition “Fake for Real: A History of Forgery and Falsification,” curated by the House of European History in Brussels.

Our Take on the Museum of the Second World War

We absolutely loved the museum’s chronological approach, which makes the complex history of World War II easier to follow and understand. Get the audio guide; it adds depth and context that enrich the entire experience. The museum is huge and dives into incredible detail, offering everything you need to learn about the war from multiple perspectives. Interactive displays keep you engaged throughout, and the emotional impact of the stories told leaves a lasting mark on your soul.

On the downside, the audio guide could be available in more languages to accommodate a wider audience. Also, plan plenty of time for your visit; we underestimated how long it would take and ended up rushing through the final sections. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Museum of the Second World War remains our favorite attraction in Gdańsk and a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the period.