Uphagen’s House – see how the people of Gdańsk lived in the past
When looking for inspiration to see something unique in Gdańsk on a free day, it is worth paying attention to a real phenomenon on a national and European scale. The capital of Pomerania boasts many exceptional monuments and unique facilities, but among all these pearls, this one shines exceptionally brightly. This is the Museum of Burgher Interiors located in a tenement house from the 18th century. It’s hard to find this type of facility in other parts of Poland, and there are only a few places of this type in Europe. But what can really delight us with Uphagen’s tenement house (that was the name of its owner) and what makes it stand out?
A unique tenement house from the 18th century – Uphagen’s house
There are not many such tenement houses in Europe available to visitors, but there is really a lot to see. The unique and elegant lifestyle of the 18th century left its mark on this place. Here we can admire beautiful interiors, intricately decorated furniture and rich equipment. We owe such a tastefully and richly equipped space to numerous reconstructions and improvements introduced at the request of the wealthy owner – Uphagen, who wanted to have the most modern, comfortable and luxurious living space at that time, tailored to his needs and requirements. All these treatments and improvements were carried out until his death in 1802, and then his house was taken care of by his family.
Salvaged exhibits
Remaining in the hands of one family for many years, the Uphagen tenement house was well cared for and preserved in excellent condition until 1911, when it was decided to turn it into a museum. The Uphagen Museum operated in the first half of the 20th century until it had to be evacuated during World War II. Things from the interior were taken and therefore survived, but unfortunately the tenement house was completely ruined. It was only in the 1990s that the idea of this museum was returned to and recreated so that subsequent generations could see with their own eyes the capabilities of 18th century craftsmen and the splendor in which the chosen among the townspeople lived.
Global trends in the townspeople’s home
By visiting the Museum of Burgher Interiors, we can be surprised how popular global trends were among the inhabitants of Gdańsk and to what extent globalization was already progressing at that time. Here you will find art, ornaments and patterns referring to distant China or ancient lands. Mythological motifs mix with elegant gadgets from England. The prestige and wealth of this tenement house can be seen in the selection of expensive and unique materials, such as damask fabric. Various decorations and intricate additions in the form of representations of birds, insects and flowers delight with their colors and detail. This place is truly magical, and seeing it should be one of the highlights of a trip to Gdańsk.
The interior of the Uphagen Museum
By visiting the Uphagen Museum, we will be able to see rooms that currently do not function in our homes. These types of unique and even exclusive rooms include, for example, living rooms or a music room. However, every house must first be functional, which is why in this tenement house we will also find very prosaic and some simply outdated interiors, such as the hall, kitchen, pantry, or merchant’s office. These rooms may not be as lavish as living rooms, but they have a lot of originality in them, and three hundred years after their usefulness, they have become an extremely interesting and unique monument. For fans of vintage, classy interiors, the dining room and bedrooms will also be interesting.
Cultural events at the Museum of Burgher Interiors
Currently, there is a museum in the Uphagen Tenement House, which encourages visitors not only with its interesting interior, but also with interesting events and temporary exhibitions. To stay up to date with current events, it is worth following the museum’s website and checking what’s new in the ancient bourgeois walls. You may be interested in, among others, open lectures organized for many years by the Uphagen House Society, where you can listen and learn many interesting things about the history of Gdańsk and the entire Pomerania from renowned researchers and scientists from Poland and abroad. If you have a Thursday free, you can spend a very nice evening on a curator’s tour, book promotions, lectures and debates devoted to the city of Gdańsk and the entire region. By following the events at the museum, you will find something interesting for yourself and an interesting activity for a free evening.
How the old inhabitants of Gdańsk lived
The museum tour itself is inexpensive and takes about 30 minutes, although for the more insightful it will take a little longer. A great option is to use the services of a guide who will show you around the museum and talk about its collections; such a visit will be very valuable and interesting, especially if we are visiting the Uphagen Museum for the first time. This way we will learn more amazing facts about the life of the townspeople of the late 18th century and about Uphagen himself, who largely created this place. When going to a museum, it is worth paying attention to the days with free entry and those when the museum is closed.
A place for a wedding session and relaxation in the courtyard
