Gdańsk History Museum

Museum in Gdańsk

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Muzeum of Gdańsk

The Gdańsk History Museum (Muzeum Gdańska) is one of the top attractions in Gdańsk, offering an in-depth and engaging look at the city's long, complex story. Its main location in the Main Town Hall sets the tone-this Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece is one of the most beautiful buildings in the Old Town, with ornate halls, priceless artwork, and a tower that rewards visitors with panoramic views across the city's iconic rooftops and waterways.

This museum is often visited on walking tours of Gdańsk because it presents the city's identity across the centuries: from medieval trade routes and its Hanseatic golden age to the devastation of World War II and the resilience of reconstruction. Artefacts, maps, paintings, and modern multimedia displays help visitors understand how Gdańsk became a cosmopolitan Baltic port and cultural crossroads.

History and Significance of the Gdańsk History Museum
Things to See and Do in the Gdańsk History Museum
How to Get to the Gdańsk History Museum
Practical Tips on Visiting the Gdańsk History Museum
Where to Stay close to the Gdańsk History Museum
Is the Gdańsk History Museum Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting the Gdańsk History Museum
Nearby Attractions to the Gdańsk History Museum

History and Significance of the Gdańsk History Museum

The museum traces its origins to the late 19th century, but its true story stretches across the entire history of Gdańsk itself. Its central hub-the Main Town Hall-dates back to the 14th century and was rebuilt repeatedly as the city grew in influence. After suffering severe wartime destruction in 1945, the building was painstakingly restored, returning its sumptuous interiors to their former splendour.

Inside, the Red Hall stands out as one of the finest civic chambers in Poland, decorated with allegorical paintings, gilded woodwork, and portraits of Polish monarchs. The museum uses these historical spaces to present the political, cultural, and economic development of Gdańsk, a city shaped by merchants, monarchs, guilds, and shifting borders.

The museum's wider network-including Artus Court, the Uphagen House, and Westerplatte-creates one of Poland's most comprehensive collections on local history.

Things to See and Do in the Gdańsk History Museum

Exploring the museum is one of the things to do in Gdańsk that reveals the depth of the city's past. Highlights include:

• The Red Hall, the museum’s most magnificent interior, with its coffered ceiling and regal atmosphere.
• The Great Council Chamber, displaying historical artefacts and artworks linked to the city’s governance.
• Exhibitions on Hanseatic trade, urban life, guilds, and maritime commerce.
• Wartime and postwar displays detailing the destruction and rebuilding of Gdańsk.
• Tower access, offering breathtaking views over the Old Town and Motława River.

This spot is one of the best places to see in Gdańsk History Museum's surroundings how the city's skyline and medieval street layout evolved over centuries.

How to Get to the Gdańsk History Museum

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport offers international connections, with buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services making it easy to reach the Old Town. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Gdańsk on Booking.com.

The museum is a short walk from Gdańsk Główny railway station, or visitors can take a tram toward the Main Town area for quicker access. 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.

Driving into the Old Town is not recommended due to pedestrian areas; park in nearby lots and walk to the museum. 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 the Gdańsk History Museum

Suggested tips: Climb the tower early in the day for quieter conditions and clearer light.
Best time to visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds.
Entrance fee in Euros: Around €4-€8 depending on exhibition and tower access.
Opening hours: Daily; hours vary seasonally.
Official website: Check Muzeum Gdańska for details.
How long to spend: 1-1.5 hours; longer if visiting branch sites.
Accessibility: Main exhibition spaces largely accessible; tower climb not suitable for reduced mobility.
Facilities: Restrooms, nearby cafés, and museum shop.
Photography tip: Capture the Red Hall’s ceiling from the centre of the room.
Guided tours: Offered in several languages.
Nearby food options: Excellent cafés and restaurants around Long Market.

Where to Stay close to the Gdańsk History Museum

Staying in the Old Town makes visiting the museum effortless. Radisson Blu Hotel Gdańsk provides elegant rooms right on Long Market. For modern style, PURO Gdańsk Stare Miasto is close by with contemporary comfort. For boutique waterfront charm, Hotel Podewils offers scenic views over the river.

Is the Gdańsk History Museum Worth Visiting?

Absolutely-the Gdańsk History Museum is worth visiting for its beautiful historic interiors, panoramic tower views, and rich, thoughtfully presented exhibitions. It is the perfect place to understand the city's identity and the forces that shaped its remarkable past.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (2,046)

Museum of Gdańsk - Main Town Hall on Długa 46 is a Gothic‑Renaissance town hall showcasing local history with decorated ceilings, paintings, antique furniture and exhibits about wartime destruction and life in the Free City of Gdańsk; visitors recommend the optional paid audio tour and the tower climb for a gorgeous view (tower access is sold separately and entry is limited, with queues and many stairs), and note that admission is free on Mondays.

Andrejka Mila

4 months ago

"Great View, but Be Ready for Waiting and Lots of Stairs The museum is free to enter on Mondays, which is a big plus, but expect longer waitingtimes—especially if you want to go up the tower. It’s important to note that there are two separate tickets: one for the museum and another one for the tower. Tower access is charged separately even on Mondays (20 PLN), and you can buy the ticket right before the entrance. Only 20 people are allowed at the top at the same time, so entry is regulated. The wait can be uncomfortable, especially if the air gets stuffy. The climb itself is manageable, and the view from the top is absolutely worth it. The museum is well done and interesting, but be prepared for a lot of walking and stairs throughout the visit. Definitely worth seeing—just wear comfortable shoes and bring some patience...."

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Bianca W

4 months ago

"Wonderful museum documenting local history. Definitely take the audio tour for a small additional fee, it's a great way to view the exhibit. Thisbuilding had been the town hall for Gdansk for centuries, and is st￭ to the brim with fascinating history. There's also a viewing tower with a gorgeous view that's definitely worth conquering the stairs!..."

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Boris Carire

a month ago

"A very interesting museum of the Main Town Hall in Gdańsk. You can admire beautifully decorated ceilings in one of the rooms, as well as paintings,antique furniture, and several photos showing the destruction of Gdańsk during World War II. The museum also presents what life was like in the Free City of Gdańsk. Highly recommended! * Admission is free every Monday.*..."

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FAQs for Visiting the Gdańsk History Museum

Often it is separate; check at the ticket desk.

Yes-English translations accompany most displays.

Usually separate tickets apply, though combined passes are sometimes offered.

Yes, though older children may appreciate the exhibits more.

It can, especially in summer and on rainy days.

Nearby Attractions to the Gdańsk History Museum

Artus Court: Ornate merchant hall with lavish interiors.
Gdańsk Town Hall Tower: Offers sweeping Old Town views.
Neptune's Fountain: Iconic symbol of the city on Long Market.
Long Market (Długi Targ): Colourful and vibrant central boulevard.
St. Mary's Church: One of the world's largest brick churches.

The Gdańsk History Museum 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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