Artus Court (Dwór Artusa)

Historic Building in Gdańsk

The Artus Court (Dwór Artusa) is one of Gdańsk’s most distinguished historical buildings, standing prominently along Long Market Square. Originally built in the 14th century and named after the legendary King Arthur, it served as a meeting place for wealthy merchants, city leaders, and members of various brotherhoods. Its Gothic foundation was later given a striking Mannerist façade in the early 17th century by architect Abraham van den Blocke, featuring sculpted figures of mythological and historical importance. The building’s ornate design reflects the city’s Hanseatic wealth and its aspirations to mirror the cultural grandeur of western European trading cities.

Inside, the Artus Court is just as impressive. The grand hall rises to a vaulted ceiling, with massive stained-glass windows and towering Gothic columns. One of its most striking features is the enormous Renaissance tiled stove, over 10 metres tall, made in the 1540s and covered with over 500 tiles depicting kings, emperors, and philosophers. Lavish wall paintings, maritime emblems, coats of arms, and statues fill the hall, evoking the civic pride and cosmopolitan spirit of Gdańsk at its height. The court also served as a venue for feasts, concerts, and civic ceremonies—central to public life in the city.

Today, Artus Court is a branch of the Gdańsk History Museum and is open to visitors who want to explore its opulent interiors and learn more about the city’s mercantile past. A visit offers a vivid sense of the power, influence, and refined taste that characterised Gdańsk’s merchant class during its golden age. Its position beside Neptune’s Fountain and across from the Main Town Hall places it firmly in the city’s most iconic historic setting.

The Artus Court (Dwór Artusa) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gdańsk!

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