European Solidarity Centre

Museum · Gdansk

European Solidarity Centre

Museum · Gdansk

pI. Solidarności 1, 80-863 Gdańsk, Poland

Highlights

Dive into modern Polish history at this stunning museum in Gdansk, featuring engaging exhibitions, an impressive audio guide, and a rooftop view.

pI. Solidarności 1, 80-863 Gdańsk, Poland Get directions

ecs.gda.pl

@ecsgdansk

@afar

"Inaugurated in 2014, the European Solidarity Center is much more than a museum. While it does feature an excellent exhibition about the Solidarity movement, the center mostly works to nurture democracy, open society, and dialogue between citizens, regularly organizing conferences and educational programs. It also features an impressive library and serves as the home base for several NGOs. Before going inside, stop at the Monument to Fallen Shipyard Workers, which features tall crosses commemorating the strikers killed by military police and soldiers in December 1970. After taking it all in, enter the building via the historic Gate No. 2—the same fence that Lech Wałęsa famously jumped over during the 1980 strikes, leading to the signing of the Gdańsk Accords and political and economic upheaval in Poland. This event and more are detailed in the center’s main exhibition, which encourages visitors to think and participate. Once you’ve walked through the entire thing, go upstairs to the rooftop observation deck, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the former Lenin Shipyards as well as Gdańsk’s Old Town."

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E D

Google

Awesome museum, definitely worth a visit in Gdansk! Lots of interesting things to see, and you get headphones to listen to an audio guide. The center has a great layout and keeps you interested as you walk around exploring the exhibition.

Cymru Jon

Google

The building alone is well worth the visit, the building is designed to resemble the hulk of a ship under construction and looks incredible. Inside you have a central atrium leading to the permanent exhibition, cafe, shop, office space and rooftop viewing area. The exhibition takes you on a journey through soviet rule, strikes, the solidarity movement, martial law and eventual freedom. It is an excellent exhibition using original artifacts and modern technology. Don't miss it if you are in Gdansk.

Allan MacIver

Google

This is a brilliant museum well worth the visit. I was largely ignorant about this Solidarity movement, I had heard of Lech Walesa, he is something of a hero in Poland. We were given head sets and were able to listen a commentary as we went. You can tell the museum is relatively new, but it is absolutely fascinating what you learn and read up about. We also took in the rooftop experience which is quite something, the views are really good.

Richie S.

Google

Tremendously thought provoking, evocative museum depicting the turbulent birth of the Solidarity movement, well worth a visit especially with the brilliant audio guide to assist you. You'll definitely learn a lot and I was very impressed with the layout and over-all content of this place. I'd definitely like to return at some point in the future. 10/10

Vins Prencipe

Google

Great center, which combines the more recent history of Poland with some temporary exhibitions and contents related to the port activity of the city! Next to it, there is a big library as well which seems to be used also for exhibitions! Definitely worth a visit and the ticket is affordable!

Kåre Anmelderen

Google

This museum is worth your time. Great exhibition with an excellent audio guide that will touch you and leave you with a renewed perspective on Gdansk, and the role and sacrifice of the Polish people in European history. One word has to be said about the rigidity of the museum. You can't meed 15, 10 or 5 minutes early. The visiting setup ensures crowding and is tiresomely bureaucratic. The building itself is fantastic, though. Easy to reach very close to the city center,

Pawel Stefanski

Google

A must see. Stunningly beautiful, throughly modern exhibit presenting the post-WW2 history of Polish struggle for freedom. Includes also content more widely applicable - about other Eastern European countries. Make sure to use the audio guide (free) and plan to spend a minimum of 3 hours, ideally more. There are restrooms, cafe and a gift shop to make your time there complete ;-)

Lada Dlabolová

Google

Very impressive and interesting exhibition about an important part of Polish history! The audioguide is a great tool, it’s gonna take you smoothly through the whole story - definitely recommend to ask for it:)