Artus Court, Gdańsk
Historic Building in Gdańsk
Artus Court (Dwór Artusa) is one of the best places to visit in Gdańsk, an opulent civic hall that stands proudly along Long Market Square. Its roots date back to the 14th century, when it served as a meeting place for merchants, dignitaries, and influential brotherhoods. Named after the legendary King Arthur, the court embodied ideals of chivalry, honour, and civic unity-values embraced by the city's elite. Over the centuries, it developed into one of Gdańsk's most impressive symbols of Hanseatic prosperity.
With its richly decorated Mannerist façade, towering windows, and mythological sculptures crafted by Abraham van den Blocke, Artus Court remains a highlight of any walking tour of Gdańsk. Its interior, filled with Renaissance stoves, Gothic vaulting, and maritime emblems, captures the splendour of a city at the height of its commercial and cultural power.
History and Significance of Artus Court
Founded in the 14th century, Artus Court emerged as a central meeting place for Gdańsk's merchant elite. Brotherhoods and guilds gathered here for trade negotiations, celebrations, and civic deliberations. Its name, referencing King Arthur, symbolised virtues of justice and noble conduct-an aspirational identity for a city built on commerce and alliances across the Baltic.
In the early 17th century, the building received its magnificent Mannerist façade, featuring sculpted figures of historical rulers, mythological heroes, and allegorical symbols. This façade reflected Gdańsk’s desire to align itself culturally with major European trading centres such as Antwerp and Amsterdam.
Inside, the hall served as a grand stage for concerts, feasts, and civic ceremonies. It was a place where agreements were sealed, reputations forged, and the cosmopolitan spirit of the city flourished. Today, as part of the Gdańsk History Museum, Artus Court preserves this legacy through detailed exhibitions and restored architectural elements.
Things to See and Do in Artus Court
Visiting the interior is one of the things to do in Gdańsk that provides a vivid insight into the city's wealth and artistry. The great hall dazzles with its soaring vaults and tall stained-glass windows that bathe the space in coloured light. Gothic pillars guide the eye upward, while the walls are adorned with coats of arms, maritime symbols, and elaborate paintings.
The centrepiece of the hall is the monumental Renaissance tiled stove, over 10 metres tall and covered with more than 500 individually crafted tiles depicting famous rulers, philosophers, and allegorical figures. This stove is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and symbolises both the artistic ambition and technological prowess of the era.
Visitors can also admire the ornate wall paintings, carved figures, and intricate décor representing the city's ties to trade, seafaring, and the wider Hanseatic world. This spot is one of the best places to see in Artus Court's surroundings, offering direct access to Neptune's Fountain and the lively Long Market right outside its doors.
How to Get to Artus Court
The nearest major airport is Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, with easy public transport and taxi services connecting directly to the old town. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Gdańsk on Booking.com.
Gdańsk Główny railway station is a short distance away, and visitors can walk, take a tram, or hop on a taxi to reach Long Market Square. You can easily check schedules and book tickets through the PKP Intercity website. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.
If arriving by car, drivers can use the S7 or local city routes, parking in designated lots outside the pedestrian zone before walking into the historic district. If you are looking to rent a car in Poland I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Practical Tips on Visiting Artus Court
- Suggested tips: Spend time studying the tiled stove-it contains hundreds of fascinating details.
- Best time to visit: Morning or afternoon for quieter viewing and natural light through the stained glass.
- Entrance fee in Euros: Approximately €4-€7.
- Opening hours: Open daily with seasonal variations.
- Official website: Check the Gdańsk History Museum's pages for exhibition updates.
- How long to spend: 30-60 minutes.
- Accessibility: Main areas accessible; some historical features may have steps.
- Facilities: Nearby cafés, restrooms, museum shop, and seating areas in the square.
- Photography tip: Wide-angle shots capture the full height of the hall’s interior.
- Guided tours: Available as part of museum programmes.
- Nearby food options: Restaurants and cafés around Long Market Square.
Where to Stay close to Artus Court
Staying in Gdańsk's old town puts Artus Court right at your doorstep. Radisson Blu Hotel Gdańsk offers stylish rooms overlooking the Long Market. For a contemporary boutique option, PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto provides modern comfort close to Granary Island. For classic elegance and river views, Hotel Podewils is a top choice.
Is Artus Court Worth Visiting?
Absolutely-Artus Court is worth visiting for its breathtaking interior, historical significance, and central position in Gdańsk's architectural ensemble. It offers a deep, sensory insight into the wealth, culture, and civic pride that defined the city's Hanseatic Golden Age. Whether you're captivated by art, architecture, or history, this remarkable hall delivers an unforgettable experience.
What Other Travellers Say...
Artus Court on Długi Targ is a restored medieval merchants' meeting house now run as a branch of the local history museum; inside you'll find an ornate interior with carved woodwork, murals, stained glass and maritime displays that reflect its mercantile past, plus a short audio guide and laminated handouts in several languages; it's compact and visitor-friendly for a quick museum stop, but note the historic building has stairs and limited accessibility and you should arrive before closing to avoid being turned away.
FAQs for Visiting Artus Court
Nearby Attractions to Artus Court
- Neptune's Fountain: Iconic symbol of Gdańsk directly in front of the court.
- Main Town Hall: Gothic-Renaissance tower and museum overlooking the square.
- Long Market: Colourful pedestrian boulevard lined with historic houses.
- Green Gate: Renaissance gateway leading to the Motława River.
- St. Mary's Church: Massive brick basilica just a few minutes' walk away.
The Artus Court appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gdańsk!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Nearby Attractions
- Neptune’s Fountain (0.0) km
Fountain - Gdańsk History Museum (0.0) km
Museum - Town Hall (0.1) km
Museum and Town Hall - Long Market Square (0.1) km
Square - St. Mary's Church (0.1) km
Church - Green Gate (0.2) km
City Gate - Long Embankment Street (Dlugie Pobrzeze) (0.2) km
Street - Long Street (0.2) km
Street - Mariacka Street (0.2) km
Street - Wide Street (0.3) km
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