Explore Poland’s Premier Maritime Museum in Gdańsk: A Must-Visit for History and Sea Enthusiasts

Waddling around Gdańsk, you will notice the ships immediately. After all, it’s a historic port city on Poland’s Baltic coast, offering a unique blend of maritime heritage and cultural richness. At the heart of this coastal city lies the National Maritime Museum, a testament to Poland’s deep-rooted connection with the sea. If you’re seeking to delve into the nation’s maritime history, this museum is perfect for you. It wasn’t initially on our itinerary, but we had some time to spare and decided to stop by, and, oh boy, it was an enjoyable experience. In this blog post, you’ll learn everything you need to know before visiting the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk. You’ll learn about ticket prices, opening hours, how to get there, and tips to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re a maritime history buff or just exploring Gdańsk for the first time, read on for a complete guide.

Why Visit the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk?

The National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk is one of the most important cultural and historical institutions in Poland. It offers a deep dive into the country’s maritime past, from its role in the Baltic Sea trade to its contributions to shipbuilding, navigation, and exploration. It is in the heart of the Old Town and spans multiple sites. It will allow you to explore rare artifacts, life-sized vessels, and hands-on exhibits that bring history to life. The setting along the Motława River adds to the experience.

How Long to Spend at the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk?

Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours at the National Maritime Museum if you want to explore the main highlights without rushing. This includes stepping aboard the SS Sołdek. If you’re interested in maritime history or want to spend time exploring interactive exhibits at the Maritime Culture Centre, allow for 4 to 5 hours. However, if you have a tighter schedule, the visit can be completed in approximately 90 minutes. It depends on your preference and interest.

How to Get to the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk

📍 Adress: Ołowianka 9–13, 80-751 Gdańsk, Poland

The National Maritime Museum is in the heart of Gdańsk’s historic Old Town, which makes it easily accessible whether you’re waddling, using public transport, or arriving from other parts of the Tricity area (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot).

If you’re staying in Gdańsk Old Town, you can reach the museum on foot in just a few minutes. Cross the Green Bridge (Zielony Most) over the Motława River and follow signs toward Ołowianka Island. The main entrance to the museum is just across the river from the iconic Long Market (Długi Targ).

From Gdańsk Główny (the central train station), the museum is about a 20-minute waddle. You can also take tram lines 8, 9, or 2 and get off at the Żabi Kruk or Targ Rybny stop, both within walking distance of the museum.

If you are driving, paid parking is available in the Old Town area, though spaces may be limited during peak tourist season. It’s often easier to park farther out and take a tram or taxi into the city center.

During the warmer months, a passenger ferry runs across the Motława River, connecting the museum’s different branches. It’s not just practical; it also offers a scenic ride with a unique view of Gdańsk’s waterfront.

Opening Hours and Ticket Information for the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk

Here’s what you need to know about opening hours and ticket options to make the most of your experience.

Opening Hours

The museum’s branches in Gdańsk operate on the following schedule.

Granaries on Ołowianka Island:

• Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday: 10:00–17:00
• Wednesday: 13:00–17:00

SS Sołdek:

• Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday: 10:00–17:00
• Wednesday: 13:00–17:00

The Crane:

• Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday: 9:00–17:00
• Wednesday: 13:00–17:00

Maritime Culture Centre:

• Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday: 10:00–17:00
• Wednesday: 13:00–17:00

Please note that ticket offices close 60 minutes before the museum’s closing time. Always check the website before your visit for any changes.

Ticket Prices

The museum offers various ticket options:

Combined Ticket (Granaries, SS Sołdek, and The Crane):

• Regular: 25 PLN
• Reduced: 16 PLN

Interactive Exhibition ‘People, Ships, Ports’ (Maritime Culture Centre):

• Regular: 12 PLN
• Reduced: 8 PLN

Combined Ticket Including Interactive Exhibition:

• Regular: 30 PLN
• Reduced: 20 PLN

Family Ticket (2 adults + 3 children):

• Including interactive exhibition: 60 PLN
• Without interactive exhibition: 50 PLN

Children and youth aged 7–16 can visit certain branches for a nominal fee of 1 PLN. 

Also, penguins have free entry.

For more detailed information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website.

Facilities at the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk

The National Maritime Museum provides a range of practical facilities to enhance your visit, ensuring comfort, accessibility, and convenience for all ages.

• • Restrooms. Available in each branch of the museum, including accessible toilets for visitors with disabilities.
  • Cloakrooms and Lockers. Secure storage for coats, bags, and personal items.
  • Museum Shops. Souvenir shops located in key branches offer books, nautical-themed gifts, and educational materials.
  • Cafés Nearby. While the museum itself doesn’t operate a café, numerous cafés and restaurants are within a short walking distance in the Old Town.
  • Wheelchair Accessibility. Most branches are accessible, including ramps and lifts where needed.
  • Elevators. Installed in multi-level buildings to assist movement between floors.
  • Family-Friendly Facilities. Baby changing stations and free admission for children under a certain age; interactive exhibits designed for kids.
  • Ferry Service. A seasonal ferry connects Ołowianka Island with other parts of the city, adding convenience and scenic transport between museum branches.
  • Free Wi-Fi: Available in selected branches, ideal for accessing digital guides and museum apps.

Our Waddle Through the National Maritime Museum

We were waddling along the Motława River, enjoying the lively atmosphere of Gdańsk’s waterfront, when we spotted the SS Sołdek ship docked right up front. Curious, we soon realized it was part of a museum. Intrigued, we waddled closer to get a better look.

At the entrance, we bought our tickets on the spot—quick and easy—and began our exploration.

What to See Inside the National Maritime Museum

Once inside, we were surprised by just how ample the space was and the sheer number of items on display. The museum’s vast halls showcase an impressive collection of maritime artifacts, including detailed ship models, ancient navigational instruments, and historical maps. Exhibits trace Poland’s seafaring history from medieval times to the modern era, with sections dedicated to shipbuilding, trade, and naval warfare. Interactive displays bring these stories to life, allowing visitors to engage with maritime technology and culture. Paintings, sailor uniforms, and everyday tools used at sea add a personal touch, making the experience both educational and deeply immersive. The scale and variety of the collection exceeded all expectations, revealing the depth of Poland’s connection to the sea.

The Highlight: Boarding the SS Sołdek

One of the absolute highlights of our visit was boarding the SS Sołdek. Stepping onto this historic steamship instantly transported us back to the post-war era of Polish shipbuilding. Exploring the narrow corridors, the crew’s quarters, and the engine room gave us a real sense of the daily lives of sailors who worked here. The preserved machinery and authentic interior details made it easy to imagine the ship in action on the Baltic Sea. Waddling the decks while feeling the river breeze added a tangible connection to the maritime heritage the museum celebrates.

Interesting Facts About the SS Sołdek

• • The SS Sołdek was the first seagoing ship built in Poland after World War II, launched in 1947.
  • It served primarily as a coal and ore carrier on the Baltic Sea.
  • The ship is named after Stanisław Sołdek, a prominent Polish shipyard worker and activist.
  • SS Sołdek is a steam-powered ship equipped with a triple-expansion steam engine.
  • It was constructed at the Stocznia Szczecińska (Szczecin Shipyard), a major Polish shipbuilding center.
  • The vessel measures approximately 77 meters (253 feet) in length.
  • It could carry about 2,200 tons of cargo per voyage.
  • The ship operated commercially until 1976, after which it was preserved as a museum ship.
  • SS Sołdek is permanently moored at Ołowianka Island alongside the National Maritime Museum.
  • Visitors can explore the engine room, crew quarters, navigation bridge, and cargo holds.
  • The ship offers a rare, hands-on insight into mid-20th-century maritime technology and life at sea.
  • It’s considered a symbol of Poland’s post-war industrial recovery and marine heritage.

Crossing the River: Ferry Ride to The Crane

After exploring the SS Sołdek, we hopped on a ferry to cross the Motława River and reach the historic Gdańsk Crane. The ride was short and sweet but packed with charm, offering beautiful views of the waterfront and the city’s skyline. Best of all, the ferry trip was included as part of our museum ticket, making it a seamless and enjoyable transition between the museum’s branches. The gentle sway of the boat and the fresh river breeze added a fun, relaxing break before we continued our journey into Gdańsk’s maritime past at the Crane.

After visiting the historic “Sołdek” ship and crossing the river, the Maritime Museum in Gdańsk continues on the other side, offering even more to explore. Inside the main building, you can see fascinating exhibits showcasing boats and maritime artifacts from around the world, highlighting global seafaring traditions and Poland’s rich naval history. The museum features detailed models, navigational instruments, and interactive displays that bring maritime life to the forefront. At the top of the museum, a restaurant offers a meal with a panoramic view of the river and the old town, making it the perfect spot to relax after your visit.

Our Take on the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk

Visiting the museum was a fun experience. We were impressed by the extensive exhibits and the museum’s impressive size. It’s an ideal destination for a rainy day in Gdańsk, offering a wealth of discoveries. The maritime paintings charmed us, and the opportunity to board the SS Sołdek added a unique touch to our visit. The museum is also affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of explorers.

However, we noticed that several exhibits lacked English translations, which could pose challenges for international visitors. Additionally, some displays appeared outdated and could benefit from modernization to enhance engagement. Despite these points, the museum offers a comprehensive look into Poland’s maritime history and is well worth a visit, especially for those with an interest in naval history.

So pack your bag and get your exploration shoes on to waddle more!

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