Gdynia Navy Museum – Discover the history of the Polish fleet
- Damian Brzeski
- Oct 6, 2024
- 9 min read
The Polish Navy Museum in Gdynia houses a fascinating history of the Polish navy, from the interwar period to the present day. How did this place transform from a small villa by the beach into a modern facility that attracts thousands of visitors?
Discover extraordinary exhibits such as ORP Błyskawica – the oldest destroyer in the world, or bomb-torpedoes that bring past events to life again.
Discover how the museum combines tradition with innovative technologies, offering an unforgettable experience to anyone wishing to explore Poland's maritime history.
History of the Navy Museum in Gdynia
The Navy Museum in Gdynia was founded on 28 June 1953 on the initiative of the Navy Command and maritime history enthusiasts.
From the beginning of its existence, its mission was to collect, research and exhibit the technical and cultural heritage related to the Polish Navy.
The Museum's Humble Beginnings
The museum's first location was a small villa by the beach in Gdynia. Although the premises were modest, the museum could already boast interesting permanent exhibitions and an outdoor exhibition presenting naval weapons and equipment.
One of the most important elements of the exhibition was the ORP “Błyskawica”, which served as a museum ship, attracting the attention of both history buffs and tourists.
As it expanded and the number of exhibits increased, the museum had to change locations several times to accommodate its extensive collections.
New headquarters at the Seaside Boulevard
In 2012, on the centenary of the establishment of the Navy, the museum moved to a modern building on the Seaside Boulevard, right next to the city beach.
The new headquarters is a spacious, four-story building with an exhibition area of over 3,000 m² , which allows for the full display of the richness of the collections.
Modern exhibition technologies, such as multimedia presentations and interactive stands, enable visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the Polish Navy.
Exhibitions and exhibits
The museum boasts a wide range of exhibits that include:
The Armoury , which presents the armament of the Polish Navy from the end of the 19th century to the 1990s.
Permanent exhibitions showing the history of the Polish naval fleet, from the time of regaining independence in 1918 to the present day.
Unique exhibits , such as the only copy of the German BT 1000 bomb-torpedo in the world and memorabilia related to important commanders and ships of the Navy.
In addition to its rich exhibition offering, the museum also engages in a wide range of educational activities. Classes and workshops are organized for children and young people, aimed at introducing them to the history of the navy in an accessible and engaging way.
The museum is also a venue for numerous conferences and scientific symposia, and its research activities contribute to a better understanding and popularization of Poland's maritime traditions.
The Polish Navy Museum in Gdynia, thanks to its modern approach to exhibitions and extraordinary collections, attracts large crowds of visitors, becoming a key place for preserving the memory of the history of the Polish navy.
Exhibitions and displays at the Navy Museum in Gdynia
The Polish Navy Museum in Gdynia offers a wide range of exhibitions presenting the rich history of the Polish navy.
Both indoor and outdoor exhibitions present valuable collections and allow for a deeper understanding of the Polish Navy.
The exhibition, divided into three main sections, presents the fate of the Polish Navy:
Armoury : A rich exhibition of 20th century naval artillery relics. The armoury contains unique pieces of armament, such as a double anti-aircraft gun from the ORP “Sęp” submarine, torpedoes and a rare bomb-torpedo. This exhibition will especially appeal to lovers of military items.
You will also see the armament of naval units, including torpedoes, depth charge throwers, memorabilia from the ORP “Gryf” and the steering wheel from the ORP “Bałtyk” cruiser.
Navy History : Exhibits showing the beginning of the navy after 1918, including documentaries and memorabilia of navy commanders. The main permanent exhibition of the museum, showing the 100-year history of the Polish Navy.
Thanks to modern multimedia technologies, visitors can see key moments in the history of the Polish Navy, from its beginnings to its modernization in modern times.
The exhibition presents both the times of triumph and the difficult post-war years, illustrating the development of the Polish fleet.
The World of Old Sailing Ships : One of the most impressive collections of sailing ship models in Poland, presenting the evolution of these majestic vessels. The exhibition shows the development of sailing technology and the importance of Polish sailing ships over the centuries.
Models of historical sailing ships, including the galleon Wodnik, which took part in the Battle of Oliwa, and a model of a galley from the times of Augustus II the Strong.
Outdoor exhibitions
The museum also offers an outdoor exhibition where visitors can admire original weapons such as cannons, torpedoes, military helicopters and other naval equipment.
There are also parts of the equipment of the ORP “Dzik” and ORP “Burza” ships. Thanks to these exhibits, you can see what the equipment of warships looked like.
Visiting the submarine ORP "Sokół"
The museum will soon add a unique attraction to its offer: a tour of the ORP "Sokół" submarine , which will be made available as part of an outdoor exhibition. ORP "Sokół" is a Kobben-class submarine, built in 1966 and serving in the Polish Navy from 2002 to 2018.
Over the years it has taken part in numerous naval exercises and operations, gaining recognition as one of the key units of the fleet.
With the addition of this attraction, the museum further expands its offerings, attracting fans of maritime history and military technology.
Visiting the ORP "Sokół" will be an unforgettable experience that will allow you to learn even more about the secrets of the Polish Navy.
The museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions on various aspects of the history of the Polish Navy.
Changing exhibitions allow you to discover new information and events related to naval forces. Current temporary exhibitions can be found on the museum's website.
The most interesting exhibits at the Navy Museum in Gdynia
The Polish Navy Museum in Gdynia has a rich collection of exhibits presenting the history of the Polish navy.
Both the indoor and outdoor exhibitions offer unforgettable experiences. Here are the most important exhibits to see during your visit.
ORP “Błyskawica” – The oldest preserved destroyer in the world
One of the main attractions of the museum is ORP Błyskawica, the oldest preserved destroyer in the world, which serves as a museum ship.
This distinguished ship, a participant in numerous military operations, including the Battle of Narvik, offers visitors the opportunity to discover its interior, including the engine room and crew quarters.
This is a unique opportunity to learn about history up close and explore the lives of sailors during World War II.
Armoury – 20th Century Ship Armament
The museum's Armoury houses an impressive collection of naval armaments from various periods of the 20th century, including:
Twin anti-aircraft gun from ORP “Błyskawica”, which was used during World War II to defend against air attacks.
Twin anti-aircraft gun from ORP "Sęp" , part of the equipment of a Polish submarine.
Torpedoes and depth charges , key elements of anti-submarine armament.
Bombo-torpedo , one of three preserved examples of this weapon in the world.
Underwater mines , illustrating the use of mines in naval operations of the Polish Navy.
Souvenirs from ORP “Gryf”
ORP “Gryf”, the largest Polish mine-laying ship from World War II, is also present in the exhibition. The museum has:
The world's largest model of the ORP "Gryf" , made of paper, which faithfully reproduces the details of this unit.
Nkm (the heaviest machine gun) , recovered from the wreck of the ORP “Gryf”, which was an important element of armament from the times of the Second Polish Republic.
Other artifacts related to the history of this unit , which allow us to understand its importance in the Polish Navy
Diver's suit
Another interesting exhibit is the diving suit , which shows the equipment used by sailors for underwater operations. This is a fascinating part of the exhibition, which brings closer the diving technology used by the Polish Navy.
Ship models
The museum has a rich collection of ship models that illustrate the development of the Polish fleet from 1918 to the present day. The collection includes models of destroyers, submarines and other units that show the technological evolution of the Polish Navy.
Steering wheel from the cruiser ORP "Bałtyk"
The steering wheel from ORP “Bałtyk” is one of the most symbolic exhibits in the museum. It is a historical artifact that illustrates the development of the Polish navy and the role that the cruiser ORP “Bałtyk” played in its history.
Exhibition "In the world of old sailing ships"
For lovers of old naval vessels, the museum offers an exhibition of sailing ships , where you can admire models of such legendary ships as Santa Maria , Christopher Columbus' ship, or Wodnik , a participant in the Battle of Oliwa. These models show the development of sailing technology over the centuries.
Outdoor exhibition
The museum also has an extensive outdoor exhibition , where visitors can see original elements of naval and ship armament from different periods of history.
Outdoor exhibits include:
Old guns : Original pieces of guns used by the Polish Navy.
17th Century Cannon Barrels : Historic pieces of armament that recall the days when sailing ships dominated the seas.
Missile weapons : Rocket launchers, anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles that were used in defensive and offensive operations.
Underwater weapons : Torpedoes and depth charges, necessary to fight submarines and other vessels.
Armament of the "Żbik" ship : Elements of the equipment of this Polish submarine.
Elements of the equipment of ORP "Dzik", "Burza" and "Błyskawica" : Parts of the equipment from these famous ships that played a key role in the history of the Polish Navy.
Periscopes : Used in submarines to allow for stealthy observation of enemy vessels.
Screws from the destroyer ORP "Błyskawica" : Original parts of this famous ship, one of the most important in the Polish fleet.
Anchors : Historical anchors used by Polish ships, symbolizing the strength and durability of the Polish Navy.
The Polish Navy Museum in Gdynia offers an extremely diverse and rich exhibition, which allows not only to learn about the history of the Polish navy, but also to experience what life and work at sea was like.
Both indoor and outdoor exhibitions attract the attention of lovers of military history and technology.
Information for visitors to the Navy Museum in Gdynia
The Polish Navy Museum in Gdynia is one of the most important places in Poland dedicated to the history of the navy.
It is located in a picturesque area, right next to the Seaside Boulevard and the city beach, offering both rich exhibitions and beautiful views. Here is some practical information for those planning a visit.
MW Museum Opening Hours
Tuesday - Sunday : 10:00 - 16:00
Mondays : The museum is closed
Sundays : Free Visit Day – perfect for those who want to discover the museum without any extra costs
Price list of museum tickets
Regular ticket : PLN 30
Reduced ticket : PLN 19
Combined ticket (ORP Błyskawica + Museum) :
Normal : 45 PLN
Reduced : 26 PLN
A tour of the ORP Błyskawica in combination with the museum is an excellent option for those who want to see both of these extraordinary places during one visit.
How to get to MMW?
Address : ul. Zawiszy Czarnego 1B, 81-374 Gdynia
Access by public transport : You can take city bus no. 23, getting off at the Skwer Kościuszki stop . From there it is just a few minutes walk to the museum.
By car : The most convenient parking is located on Stefana Batorego Street and Aleja Jana Pawła II. These are paid parking spaces, located near Kościuszko Square, from where you can easily reach the museum on foot.
Taxi Gdynia : The most convenient way, a Gdynia taxi will take you almost to your door, and you don't have to worry about finding a parking space.
Additional information
The Navy Museum is located right next to the Feliks Nowowiejski Seaside Boulevard, which means that after sightseeing you can take a relaxing walk by the sea.
It is worth setting aside about 1.5-2 hours for the visit to fully appreciate all the exhibitions and displays.
The museum offers both indoor and outdoor exhibitions, which makes the visit very diverse and attractive for both adults and children.
Guides and audio guides at the Navy Museum in Gdynia
Various forms of support have been prepared for visitors to the Naval Museum in Gdynia, including audio guides and guides, which help them better understand the exhibits and their historical significance.
Audio guide at the Navy Museum in Gdynia
The Naval Museum in Gdynia has recently launched a mobile application called Movi Guide, which allows you to visit the exhibition with an audio guide on your own phone.
Key information:
Movi Guide App: Allows you to tour the museum with an audio guide that contains the same information as traditional devices.
Availability: The application can be downloaded using the QR code located at the checkout and entrance to the exhibition.
Languages : The application offers tracks in Polish and English, and additional options are planned for the future, such as a family track and audio description.
Safety: The app is an alternative to traditional audio guides, which were unavailable during the pandemic.
Additional features of the Movi Guide App :
Interactivity : It allows you to visit other cultural institutions in Poland , which makes it a versatile tool for tourists.
Adjustment : The app allows you to change visibility options for people with visual impairments.
The Movi Guide app is a modern solution that makes visiting the Navy Museum more accessible and engaging.
Professional museum guides
Guided tours : The museum offers the option of a tour with a professional guide who provides knowledge about the history of the Polish Navy and interesting facts related to the exhibits in an accessible way.
This service requires prior reservation, especially for larger tourist groups.
Audio guides and guided tours are great ways to enhance your museum visit.
Thanks to them, visitors can better understand the historical context and significance of individual exhibits, making the visit even more informative and interesting.
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