Gdynia Automotive Museum
- Damian Brzeski
- Jan 9
- 12 min read
Is it possible to go back in time and feel the spirit of past decades? In the Gdynia Automotive Museum it is possible!
An exceptional collection of vintage cars and motorcycles – from the legendary Ford Model T to the Polish Sokół 1000 – takes visitors into the world of old motoring.
Stylized interiors, cobbled streets and fascinating stories behind each exhibit from the Gdynia Museum's collections make a visit to this place an unforgettable experience. Why is it worth discovering? See for yourself!
The history and mission of the museum
The Gdynia Vehicle Museum , located in the picturesque district of Cisów, is a real journey back in time for anyone who loves the history of the automotive industry.
Thanks to its impressive collection of vintage cars and motorcycles , the museum, founded in 2007, has become one of the key cultural points of the Tricity.
This is the life's work of Witold Ciążkowski – a man who transformed his passion into a space celebrating the technology and history of the automotive industry.
A collection full of gems
In the museum's collection, you can admire automotive legends such as the iconic Ford T , the elegant Buick Master Six or the stylish Renault NN . The motorcycle collection is also impressive - among the exhibits we can find the Polish Sokół 1000 , the classic Harley-Davidson WL , and the unique Indian 341 .
Each of these vehicles has been carefully restored to tell its own story and transport visitors back to times gone by.
The unique atmosphere of this place is emphasized by the museum's exhibition hall , which recreates the atmosphere of past eras. Details such as cobbled streets or historical elements of the interior allow you to almost feel the spirit of past decades.
It is more than just an exhibition – it is a true lesson in history and technology that delights everyone, regardless of age or interests.
A visit to the Gdynia Motor Museum is not only an opportunity to admire restored vehicles , but also to discover inspiring stories hidden behind each exhibit. This could be the beginning of your own adventure with the history of motoring!
What makes the Gdynia Motor Museum stand out? and Why is it worth visiting?
During a visit to the vehicle museum in Gdynia, you can not only admire carefully restored vehicles , but also immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of past decades.
Each exhibit – from classic vintage cars such as the Ford T , Mercedes and Renault NN , to motorcycles including the Harley-Davidson WL, Zundapp KS 500, Zundapp KS 600, Zundapp K 800 and Sokół 1000 – has been painstakingly restored to its former glory, capturing its original character and fascinating history.
A unique collection and atmosphere of bygone years: The museum's exhibition hall , with its cobbled streets and details reflecting the atmosphere of bygone times, transports visitors to the world of decades ago. In this unique space, every detail has been designed to bring the history of motoring to life and allow visitors to feel the spirit of bygone eras.
The founder's passion and educational value: Witold Ciążkowski, the creator of the museum, realized his vision of a place that not only exhibits vehicles, but also tells their stories. His determination and passion made the collection of the Gdynia museum an exceptional testimony to the development of automotive technology and culture. Each car and motorcycle carries a story about the people, times and technologies that created it, making the collection of the Gdynia museum also an educational space.
A place full of inspiration: The Gdynia Motor Museum is not only a treasure trove of monuments, but also a source of inspiration for future generations. It is a place that everyone – regardless of age or knowledge – should visit to personally experience history that comes alive at every step. Such a journey into the past stays in the memory for a long time!
History and founder of the museum
The Gdynia Motor Museum , also known as the opening of the Gdynia Museum , is the result of Witold Ciążkowski's long-standing passion. His love for historic vehicles resulted in the creation of a place where the history of motoring comes alive again.
Thanks to his vision and unwavering determination, a museum was created that not only attracts tourists, but also educates and inspires the next generations of car enthusiasts . It is a space where the past meets the present, offering a unique experience to every visitor.
Who is Witold Ciążkowski? The founder's passion and vision
Witold Ciążkowski is not only the founder of the Gdynia Automotive Museum , but above all a man whose life has always been connected with historic vehicles .
His fascination with motoring began in his youth, and over time it turned into a dream - a dream of sharing this passion with others.
Thanks to his unwavering commitment, the museum has become a place where each exhibit tells its own, unique story.
Ciążkowski not only collects vehicles, but also takes great care to restore them to their former glory.
His collection includes real gems, such as the Buick Master Six , Ford T , or Harley-Davidson WL , which impress with their authenticity and attention to detail. Each detail during the restoration is as important to him as the whole.
Thanks to this, visitors can take a real journey through time, transporting themselves to the world of bygone eras and discovering the beauty of classic motoring.
The museum is a place where one man's vision has transformed into a space that combines education, passion and a genuine love for vintage vehicles . Thanks to this, every visit to the museum becomes an unforgettable experience that will remain in the memories of visitors for a long time.
The establishment of the museum in 2007: beginnings and development
The year 2007 was a breakthrough for Gdynia – it was then that the Gdynia Motor Museum opened its doors to visitors. The opening of the Gdynia museum was the result of years of hard work and passion by Witold Ciążkowski.
From the very beginning, it delighted with an impressive collection of vintage cars and motorcycles, numbering as many as 120 carefully restored vehicles , which are proof of the dedication and commitment of its founder.
Over time, the museum has continually developed, expanding its collections and gaining a reputation as one of the most important places for motoring enthusiasts in Poland.
The collection includes real gems, such as the Ford T , Buick Master Six , and motorcycles, including the iconic Harley-Davidson WL motorcycle and the Polish Sokół 1000 .
These unique exhibits attract the attention of both local and international visitors.
Today, the museum's exhibition hall , stylized as a 1920s street, delights with its authentic atmosphere and attention to detail.
This is a space that not only presents vintage cars and motorcycles, but also educates and inspires future generations of enthusiasts.
The establishment of the museum in 2007 began a unique history that continues to this day, making it a true gem on the tourist map of Gdynia.
Collection of vintage vehicles
In the very heart of Gdynia , in the picturesque district of Cisowo, there is an extraordinary collection of the Gdynia Museum , which attracts motoring enthusiasts from the farthest corners of the world.
This is a place where automotive history comes alive again thanks to carefully restored vehicles that hold fascinating stories.
The museum offers a rich collection of vintage cars and motorcycles – true witnesses of past eras and groundbreaking technological achievements. It is not only an exhibition of the automotive museum, but also a journey through time for automotive enthusiasts .
Vintage Cars: From Mercedes to Ford T
When you enter the museum, you enter the world of an impressive exhibition of vintage cars , full of legendary models. Among them are:
DKW 1935 – German compact car, known for its reliability and innovative two-stroke engine.
Ford T 1926 – the first mass-produced passenger car, which revolutionized the automotive industry around the world.
Mercedes 170V 1935 – a model that became a symbol of the elegance and precision of German engineering in the 1930s.
Mercedes 170V 1939 – an improved version of its predecessor, appreciated for its durability and timeless design.
Mercedes 170S 1950 – a luxurious post-war model that combined elegance with modern technology.
1925 Buick Master Six – a vehicle with original parts, an icon of the automotive industry of the 1920s.
1931 Buick Deluxe – armored version said to have been driven by Al Capone, a symbol of prestige and luxury.
Plymouth Q Four Door 1928 – an American family car, distinguished by its comfort and spaciousness.
1946 Ford V8 Super Deluxe – an elegant and dynamic model that became popular after World War II.
Skoda Tudor – a post-war Czech car, a symbol of industrial reconstruction, appreciated for its solidity, simplicity and elegance.
Adler Favorit 1927 – a stylish German car, known for its elegance and solidity.
Mercedes Stuttgart 1926 – a luxury vehicle from the 1920s, a symbol of prestige and class of those times.
Bentley MK6 1950 – a British luxury car, characterized by excellent build quality and prestige.
Fiat 500 1938 – an Italian classic, known as the “Topolino”, one of the smallest cars of its time.
Renault NN 1926 – a French car from the 1920s, known for its simplicity and reliability, which introduced the automotive industry to a new era.
Each of these vehicles is more than just an exhibit – it is a time machine that takes us back to an era when motoring was just beginning to change the world. Can car enthusiasts imagine a better way to learn about history?
Vintage Motorcycles: Harley-Davidson, Sokół and Other Gems
The museum's motorcycle collection is a real treat for motorcycle enthusiasts. Among the legendary exhibits are:
Sokół 1000 – a Polish motorcycle from the 1930s, a symbol of domestic engineering and the pride of Polish motoring.
Harley-Davidson WL (1941) – an iconic V-twin machine, this military motorcycle played a key role in World War II.
Indian 341 – a police motorcycle from the USA, an icon of American motoring, also used in the army.
Indian Big Chief (1941) – a larger version of the legendary Chief model, valued for its power and distinctive design.
1930s BMW – German motorcycles that were known for their reliability.
BMW R12 (1936) – German military motorcycle with the world's first telescopic fork, often used by the Wehrmacht.
Royal Enfield from the 1930s – a British classic that impresses with its design and durability, a symbol of the elegance of those times.
Zundapp K 800 – a German motorcycle with cardan shaft drive, known for its reliability and innovative technical solutions.
Zundapp KS 600 – a twin-cylinder boxer motorcycle, valued for its versatility, used in the 1930s and 1940s, especially by the military.
Zundapp K 500 – a compact German motorcycle with a single-cylinder engine, valued for its simplicity and reliability, used both civilian and military.
CWS M111 (1934) – Polish motorcycle from the Central Automotive Workshops, inspired by Harley-Davidson, a symbol of Polish engineering.
Harley-Davidson Model D (1930) – a popular model called the "3-cylinder Harley", valued for its durability and reliability.
Raleigh (1917-1918) – one of the oldest motorcycles in the collection, originally intended for military purposes, with beechwood brakes.
Each of these motorcycles is not only a machine, but also a story about the times in which they were created. Their presence in the museum is a tribute to the engineering and design skills of past decades. Or maybe it is also an inspiration for contemporary designers?
Most Valuable Exhibits: Buick Master Six, 1917 Raleigh and More
Among the most valuable exhibits of the museum are hidden real treasures of motoring. The exceptional collection of historic vehicles includes:
Buick Master Six (1925) – impresses with its excellent state of preservation.
Ford Model T – a pioneer of mass production that changed the face of the automotive industry forever.
Raleigh (1917) – one of the oldest exhibits in the collection, testifying to the beginnings of motorization.
These vehicles not only showcase the technical achievements of their time, but also tell the stories of the people who built and used them.
Can these historic machines inspire future generations to discover and preserve their automotive heritage?
This question remains open, encouraging reflection on how the past shapes our future.
Exhibition hall: the unique atmosphere of a Gdynia street
When you cross the threshold of the museum's exhibition hall , you enter the world of the 1920s. The cobbled street, recreated with extraordinary precision, transports you back in time, capturing the spirit of that era.
Original materials from Gdynia and Gdańsk were used here, which gives this place authenticity. The stylized interior invites you to discover history, where every step reveals new details and stories.
1920s Street Style
The exhibition hall, designed to resemble a pre-war street, is a real treat for history and architecture lovers. Every element has been carefully crafted to faithfully capture the atmosphere of the city from almost a hundred years ago.
Walking through this space, you can almost hear the clatter of horses' hooves on the cobblestones and the buzz of conversations of former residents. This is a place where history comes alive , allowing you to immerse yourself in the everyday life of a bygone era.
Bricks from Ogarna Street and paving stones from Starowiejska Street: historical details
One of the most fascinating elements of the exhibition are bricks from Ogarna Street in Gdańsk and paving stones from Starowiejska Street in Gdynia.
These authentic fragments of the past not only enrich the exhibition, but also tell their own unique stories. Materials that were once part of the urban landscape are now a key element of the museum’s narrative.
Thanks to them, you can better understand and appreciate the rich historical heritage of the region .
Visiting the Museum
Visiting the Gdynia Automotive Museum is a flexible and unforgettable experience that everyone can adapt to their expectations.
For those who value freedom , an individual tour is the perfect choice. Walking through the museum on your own, you can discover unique exhibits at your own pace, reading detailed descriptions of vehicles that bring you closer to their history, technical details and curiosities.
However, if you prefer to delve into the mysteries of motoring in the company of an expert, it is worth choosing a group tour . Under the watchful eye of a guide, you will learn fascinating stories and anecdotes related to the exhibits and learn what life was like on the roads of past eras.
Just book in advance and your group can enjoy a unique experience.
For adventure seekers, the museum offers the city game “Museum Detective” . It is an interactive entertainment that combines learning with fun – ideal for families, groups of friends or work teams.
Taking on the role of a detective, participants solve puzzles and discover secrets related to the history of the automotive industry, creating unforgettable memories.
Additional services
The Gdynia Motor Museum is much more than just a collection of historic vehicles. It is a place where the past of motoring meets the modern expectations of visitors.
Thanks to its wide range of additional services, the museum attracts both classic car enthusiasts and event organizers. It is a space that combines history with unique experiences, creating unforgettable moments .
Renting vintage vehicles for celebrations
One of the most unusual offers of the Gdynia Automotive Museum is the possibility of renting vintage vehicles for special occasions. Imagine an elegant car from a bygone era that adds class to your wedding, parade or film production.
These automotive gems not only impress with their appearance, but also allow you to feel their unique charm in motion.
Weddings : Highlight the elegance and uniqueness of your big day.
Parades: Stand out from the crowd with a classic vehicle that will catch everyone's eye.
Film Productions: Add authenticity to your projects and bring a historical atmosphere to the screen.
Renting these unique vintage vehicles is a great way to give any event a unique character and leave unforgettable memories!
Organizing events and photo sessions
The Gdynia Motor Museum is the perfect place to organize unique events and photo sessions. The interiors filled with historical atmosphere and a rich collection of vintage vehicles create a unique background that gives each project a unique character.
Romantic wedding sessions surrounded by classic cars, professional advertising and artistic photos, as well as themed events in a retro atmosphere - all this gains a unique style thanks to the atmosphere of the museum.
Each event organised in this space remains in the participants’ memory for a long time and delights with its originality.
Location of the Gdynia Automotive Museum: how to get there?
The Gdynia Motor Museum is located in the picturesque district of Gdynia-Cisowa, at 2c Żwirowa Street. Thanks to its convenient location, reaching the museum is extremely easy - both for Tricity residents and tourists visiting the region.
How to get there? You can use public transport, choosing buses or trolleybuses heading towards Cisowa.
If you prefer to travel by car, there is a car park near the museum, which will make it easier to organize your visit. It is really easy and convenient!
Opening hours of the Gdynia Museum and admission prices
The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This schedule allows you to easily fit your visit into your schedule. And what about the costs? They are very affordable:
Regular ticket: PLN 20
Reduced ticket: PLN 15 (for children up to 15 years of age)
The Gdynia Automotive Museum is a space that attracts both motoring enthusiasts and people who are just beginning to learn about the history of vehicles.
Thanks to its friendly pricing policy, the museum is accessible to everyone – from families with children, through organised groups, to individual tourists.
What's more, the option of purchasing tickets to the Gdynia museum online makes planning your visit exceptionally convenient and hassle-free.
Families will find the perfect place to spend time together here – interactive attractions , such as the city game “Detective in the Museum” , guarantee great fun and discovering the secrets of vintage vehicles .
The inspiring stories behind the exhibits, including the Buick Master Six , the Ford T , and the iconic Harley-Davidson WL motorcycle, can spark a passion for motoring in the youngest and bring closer their importance in the development of technology.
Regardless of age or level of knowledge, the Gdynia Motor Museum offers something for everyone. The exhibition of vintage cars takes you back in time, combining inspiration with education. Maybe this is where you will start your adventure with classic motoring? 😊
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