The National Museum in Gdańsk is not only a place for storing art; it is the true heart of culture and history, beating to the rhythm of the city, which itself is a treasure trove of heritage. Located in the picturesque scenery of Gdańsk, the museum is a gateway to the world of old masters, modern artistic expressions and fascinating stories that have shaped the region and Poland over the centuries.
From the moment they cross the threshold of the National Museum, visitors are immersed in the richness of cultures and eras that the museum proudly presents. Whether you are a lover of painting, sculpture, arts and crafts or history, this place has something unique to offer. His collections tell stories, inspire, educate and, above all, leave a lasting impression on memories and hearts.
In this article, we will present the history of the museum, present its most valuable collections and exhibitions, learn about its educational activities and share practical information that will make it easier to plan your visit. The National Museum in Gdańsk is more than a museum; is a space where culture and history combine to create unforgettable experiences.
The history of the creation of the National Museum in Gdańsk
The history of the National Museum in Gdańsk is as colorful and diverse as the collections it meticulously collects and presents. The journey through time, which begins with its foundation, takes us through the most important moments in Polish history until today, when the museum is one of the most important points on the cultural map of the country.
Founded in the 19th century, initially as the City Museum in Gdańsk, it quickly gained importance as a place for storing and presenting works of art that are testimony to the rich history and culture of the region. Over the years, thanks to the passion and commitment of many people, the museum has expanded to include several buildings and become home to thousands of exhibits.
However, a breakthrough moment for the museum was obtaining the status of a National Museum. This event not only emphasized the importance of the facility in promoting Polish art and culture, but also allowed for an even greater expansion of its collections and educational and research activities.
Today, the National Museum in Gdańsk does not stop striving for perfection. By organizing temporary exhibitions, engaging in research and educational projects, as well as constantly enriching its collections, the museum continues its mission of disseminating knowledge about art and history. It is a place where the past meets the present, and tradition meets modernity.
Extraordinary Collections and Exhibitions
We cordially invite you to discover the extraordinary collections and exhibitions that the National Museum in Gdańsk proudly presents. Each room and gallery contains not only works of art, but also stories that appeal to the imagination and emotions of visitors. From timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, the museum offers a wealth of aesthetic and intellectual experiences.
The exhibits include works of medieval, Renaissance and modern art. The collections include picturesque paintings, sculptures, handicrafts, and applied art, so everyone will find something for themselves.
The permanent exhibition allows you to admire the works of great masters such as Hans Memling, and temporary exhibitions regularly surprise and inspire, presenting a wide range of topics and perspectives.
One of the most valuable exhibits that attracts the attention of many visitors is the famous Gdańsk Triptych by Hans Memling .
This work, dating from the late 15th century, is one of the most important examples of Dutch art in the world and is the highlight of the museum's collection.
The National Museum in Gdańsk constantly strives to enrich its offer, introducing new, fascinating exhibitions that explore a variety of topics - from history and culture to important social discussions. Thanks to this, the museum not only educates, but also engages, becoming a lively forum for the exchange of thoughts and experiences.
Education and Cultural Activities
Education and cultural activities are a fundamental part of the mission of the National Museum in Gdańsk. The facility is committed to the task of popularizing knowledge about art, history and culture, directing its activities to a wide audience - from preschoolers, through pupils and students, to seniors.
The museum's educational program is rich and varied, offering workshops, lectures, interactive classes and thematic tours that make each visit a unique experience. Thanks to this, visitors have the opportunity not only to get to know the exhibition in-depth, but also to develop their own passions and interests.
The National Museum in Gdańsk is also an active participant in the cultural life of the city and the region. Concerts, meetings with artists, lectures and special events that combine art with important social and cultural topics are organized here.
Such activities not only enrich the museum's offer, but also constitute an important contribution to the local community, building bridges between the past and the present.
Additionally, the museum does not forget about the availability of its resources for all social groups, including people with disabilities, trying to ensure that everyone can benefit from the wealth of culture and art. Initiatives such as open days, online exhibitions and educational materials available on the website allow for even wider access to the museum's offer.
All versions of the National Museum
The National Museum in Gdańsk is an institution with a rich cultural offer, consisting of several branches, each of them presenting unique collections and exhibitions, reflecting the diversity of the cultural and artistic heritage of the region and Poland.
Here is an overview and a short description of each of the branches of the National Museum in Gdańsk:
Ancient Art Department - Headquarters
Situated at ul. Toruńska 1, is the heart of the ancient art collection, presenting works from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period. The exhibits include valuable paintings, sculptures and artistic crafts, including the famous Gdańsk Triptych by Hans Memling.
Ethnographic Museum
It focuses on the folk culture of Pomerania and other regions of Poland. The collection includes folk costumes, tools, applied art and everyday objects that tell about the life, traditions and customs of the rural population.
Green Gate
One of the icons of Gdańsk, it serves as an exhibition space for the National Museum. Its interior hosts photography, historical and contemporary art exhibitions, combining heritage with modernity.
Department of the Gdańsk Gallery of Photography
The Gdańsk Gallery of Photography section, part of the National Museum in Gdańsk, is dedicated to the art of photography. This unique exhibition space focuses on presenting photography in its widest range - from historical collections to contemporary artistic projects. The gallery plays an important role in promoting photography as an important form of artistic and documentary expression, presenting the works of both recognized masters of photography and young, promising artists.
The Gdańsk Gallery of Photography organizes individual and group exhibitions, often as part of larger thematic projects or photography festivals. Through its activities, the gallery tries to emphasize the importance of photography in contemporary culture, as well as encourage reflection on its impact on the perception of reality. Additionally, this place serves an educational function, organizing workshops, meetings with artists and lectures that familiarize visitors with the world of photography and its various techniques.
Abbots' Palace in Oliwa - Contemporary Art Department
The branch is located in the historic Abbots' Palace in Oliwa Park. It presents the history of the Oliwa abbots and their influence on the cultural landscape of the region. The palace also hosts concerts and cultural events, using the unique interiors and park surroundings.
A place dedicated to modern and contemporary art, exploring current directions and tendencies in art. The branch presents the works of Polish and foreign artists, organizing temporary exhibitions that respond to contemporary cultural and social challenges.
Abbot's Granary
This branch is located in a historic granary in Oliwa, presenting thematic exhibitions devoted to the history of Gdańsk and Pomerania, including the development of trade, crafts and the everyday life of the region's inhabitants in various eras.
Branch of the "National Anthem Museum" in Będomin
This unique branch, located in Będomin, is dedicated to the history of the Polish national anthem - "Mazurka Dąbrowski". The museum is located in a historic manor house, which was the home of Józef Wybicki, the author of the words of the anthem. The exhibition talks about Wybicki's life and work, the context of the creation of the anthem and its role in the history and culture of Poland. A visit to the museum is a journey through an important fragment of Polish national identity.
Branch of the "Museum of Noble Tradition. Pomeranian Center for Contacts with the Polish Diaspora in Waplewo Wielkie
This branch focuses on the history and culture of the Polish nobility, with particular emphasis on Pomerania. The museum located in Waplewo Wielkie is housed in a beautifully restored palace, which itself is part of the cultural heritage. The exhibitions present everyday life, rituals, art and history of the Polish nobility, as well as their influence on the formation of Polish national identity.
NOMUS - New Art Museum, department of the National Museum in Gdańsk
NOMUS is the newest addition to the family of branches of the National Museum in Gdańsk, focusing on modern and contemporary art. Located in the spaces of the Gdańsk Shipyard, a place of great historical and symbolic value, NOMUS aims to present contemporary art in a socio-historical context. Exhibitions and temporary exhibitions at NOMUS combine the works of Polish and international artists, examining current directions and trends in art and engaging the audience in dialogue about contemporary cultural and social challenges.
Each of these branches offers unique experiences and the opportunity to delve deeper into various aspects of art, history and culture, encouraging exploration and interaction with the rich heritage presented by the National Museum in Gdańsk.
Plan Your Visit: Opening Hours, Ticket Prices, How to Get There
Planning a visit to the National Museum in Gdańsk is the beginning of a fascinating journey through history and art. To fully take advantage of the opportunities this place offers, it is worth familiarizing yourself with practical information regarding opening hours, ticket prices and how to get there.
Opening Hours of the National Museum in Gdańsk:
Monday : Closed
Tuesday – Sunday: 11.00 – 18.00
Additionally, it is worth paying attention to the schedule of opening days of the National Museum in Gdańsk on holidays, available on the museum's official website.
Ticket prices:
Friday: Free day
Regular ticket : PLN 20
Reduced ticket : PLN 12
Pupils and students aged 7 – 26: PLN 1
Family ticket (up to 2 adults - parents, guardians - and children up to 18 years old): PLN 30
Group ticket (groups of 10 and more people), price per person: PLN 15
30-day pass : PLN 40, entitles you to one-time entry to permanent and temporary exhibitions in each branch of the Museum within one month from the date of purchase
Annual pass , bearer: PLN 150, entitles you to unlimited admission to permanent and temporary exhibitions in each branch of the Museum within one year from the date of purchase
How to get to the museum:
OLD ART DEPARTMENT ul. Toruńska 1, 80-822 Gdańsk
The Old Art Department of the National Museum in Gdańsk is located next to the Roman Catholic Church of St. Holy Trinity in Śródmieście, close to the historical center of the city, on the outskirts of old Gdańsk. It is well connected to Gdańsk Główny and other districts of the city.
Car : The museum is adjacent to a guarded parking lot, with entry from Rzeźnicka Street.
Public transport bus : Line 111 from the Main Railway Station to the National Museum in Gdańsk stop - 50 meters to the Museum. Current timetables are available on the website of the Municipal Transport Authority in Gdańsk.
Tram : Lines 3, 8, 9 from the Main Railway Station to the Okopowa stop - 150 m to the Museum. Lines 2, 6, 7 to the SKM Śródmieście stop - also 150 m to the Museum. Tram timetables are available on the website of the Public Transport Authority.
Railway/SKM station: Śródmieście SKM stop – 150 m to the Museum.
Remember that the national museum is not only an exhibition at Toruńska Street, the museum has several branches, each with a different topic. More information can be found on the official website: https://www.mng.gda.pl/wizyta-w-muzeum/
Planning a visit to the National Museum in Gdańsk is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of art and history, available to anyone who wants to experience culture at the highest level.