The most important museums in Gdańsk that are worth seeing
The northern part of Poland, and the Pomeranian Voivodeship in particular, is mainly associated with holiday trips to the Polish seaside. Although the Baltic Sea is the pearl of this area, we should not forget about the atmospheric Tricity, which is extremely important historically for the country. It covers three seaside cities: Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia. All of them are worth visiting, but Gdańsk deserves special attention. It is not without reason that it is called the city of freedom and solidarity. It combines traditions and history, both ancient and modern, which every Pole should know. Due to the large number of tourist attractions, museums and beautiful architecture, combining the atmosphere of a port city and a modern metropolis, it attracts crowds of tourists from all over the world. The multitude of attractions may be overwhelming, but with a good plan that includes the most attractive points, visiting Gdańsk will be an extremely interesting and pleasant experience. Check which museums you must visit when coming to the city, which is the seaside pearl of Poland.
Museum of World War II – the pearl of Gdańsk
Museum of Westerplatte and the War of 1939
The Museum of the Second World War is divided not only into blocks and sections, but also into departments. One of them is the one devoted to the history of an extremely important place in the history of the war conflict, Westerplatte. It is located on the peninsula itself and functions as an open-air museum. There is also an educational path on its premises, which complements the field exhibition, focusing on the former resort architecture of Westerplatte and its extensive topography.
Guardhouse on Westerplatte
Among the important must-see points is the Westerplatte Guardhouse No. 1, which is a branch of the Gdańsk Museum. Although it is one of six guardhouses that were built in the 1930s, it was not without reason that it became an important part of the museum complex. It was a key point of Polish defense during the seven-day period of fighting at Westerplatte. The building was preserved in very good condition, despite heavy fire from German forces, which is why it was the only one open to visitors. In addition to the impressive exterior of the guardhouse, preserved from the war, visitors can also see the exhibition inside. It mainly presents memorabilia of the Military Transit Depot and its brave defenders.
Solidarity Museum – a place of commemoration of contemporary history
Solidarity Square
The square itself, where the European Solidarity Center is located, is also worth seeing. Solidarności Square is mainly known for the fact that it was where Solidarity began its activities. It is also the site of trade union protests that took place in August 1980. Visitors can see, among other things, the historic Gate No. 2 of the Gdańsk Shipyard, known to most from archival photos and video materials. There is also a monumental Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers in the square, commemorating the victims of the violently suppressed workers’ protests of December 1970.