The Museum of the Second World War located in Gdansk, Poland was opened in 2008. This museum is incredibly detailed and uses all sorts of interactive presentation styles to share the history and stories from World War II. When visiting, make sure to plan to spend a few hours in the museum as there is much to see and do here.

Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk

The decision to choose Gdansk as the location for the Museum of the Second World War is not a coincidence. Gdansk is the place where the first shots of World War II were fired. What is unusual, though, is the eye-opening approach on the war that this ambitious museum presents.

Architecture of the World War II Museum in Gdansk

Not only the location of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk is symbolic, but also its architecture. The museum has three areas that create a link between the wartime past, present and future. The design of the museum building has been applauded by the international community of architects. The architecture team, Kwadrat, won an architectural competition for the design.

History of the World War II Museum in Gdansk

What makes the Museum of the Second World War different from other institutions of this kind is its attempt to present the Second World War from a wider perspective, not only from the perspective of one nation. Its focus is on politics, ideologies and wartime experiences in different countries, rather than the purely military aspects of the war.

The three parts, eighteen rooms of thematic sections and thought-provoking displays show us the different ideologies that led to war, the horrors of the war that the civil population and the soldiers in different countries had to go through, and the shattering consequences of the war.

The museum combines modern technology with traditional display methods. The biggest objects in the museum are two tanks and a German-built wooden rail car. However, the true uniqueness and strength of the permanent exhibition lies in the small objects, many of which are very personal and have been donated by private individuals. These include letters, personal belongings, photographs and memorabilia.

Visiting the World War II Museum in Gdansk

The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm from September to June and from 10 am to 8 pm in July and August. The museum is closed on Mondays. In the high season we recommend buying your tickets beforehand as the museum is very popular. We also recommend dedicating at least 2-3 hours to visit the museum.

Read more interesting stories about Gdansk.

To learn more about visiting the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk on your private tour to Poland, contact us!