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The Museum of the Second World War is an encounter with an incredible story – one of the bloodiest battles in human history. The exhibitions you will see here provoke serious reflection and do not allow you to pass by the displays without emotion. You will find the museum in the very heart of Gdańsk. There’s no need to worry about parking your car – a spacious, underground, 24-hour car park is located nearby!

The Main Exhibition at the Museum of the Second World War

Above all, the Museum of the Second World War is about its main exhibition (located 14 meters underground), created through three narrative blocks covering a total area of 5,000 m²:

• “The Road to War”
• “The Horror of War”
• “The Long Shadow of War”

It impresses not only because of its subject matter but also due to the vast space it occupies. Here, we have one of the largest exhibitions among historical museums worldwide. It provides a remarkable encounter with the history of one of the most tragic battles in human history – World War II. You will discover its origins, consequences, victims, perpetrators, wartime heroes, and civilians who had to learn to survive in extremely difficult circumstances.The exhibition is divided into 18 thematic sections, featuring nearly 3,000 exhibits and around 260 modern multimedia stations that, among other things, allow visitors to browse archival photographs or listen to testimonies from witnesses of those events.The Belgian studio Tempora is responsible for the exhibition’s design.

The Road to War

The first thematic block focuses on the origins of the war, placing great emphasis on the forces that sought to overthrow the Versailles order. This block concludes with a comprehensive presentation of the German and Soviet aggression against Poland in September 1939, showing, among other things, German crimes against Polish and Jewish civilians, the murder of prisoners of war, and the bombing of cities.

The Horror of War

In this section, you’ll have the chance to see the war through the eyes of ordinary people. You’ll look into the fate of prisoners, concentration camp inmates, women, children, men, forced laborers, and many others. Their stories are presented in a way that is both accessible and deeply moving.This part also shows the German atrocities committed against the social elites and Polish intelligentsia beginning in the autumn of 1939. It also highlights Soviet crimes, including the murder of Polish police officers and military personnel in 1940. A crucial element of this section features the activities of the Polish Underground State.

The Long Shadow of War

The third part combines the story of the end of military operations with a narrative about their consequences.The exhibition concludes with a space whose scenography alludes to the Iron Curtain. For the 45 years following the end of the war, this curtain divided the world into two political blocs. You will also see Poland, crippled by six years of armed conflict.

The Museum of the Second World War – Key Information

You can find the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk, at Władysław Bartoszewski Square 1. It is closed on Mondays; on Tuesdays, it’s open from 10 AM to 4 PM, and from Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.Importantly, the museum sits in the heart of the city. It can be the perfect first step in exploring Gdańsk’s most important sights, including the Gdańsk Shipyard. It is well-connected to the city center and other districts. Are you wondering where to park your car while getting to know the city?

Reserve a Parking Spot on Wyspa Spichrzów!

The Museum of the Second World War Parking – Choose Interparking Wyspa Spichrzów

Where can you park cheaply and safely near the Museum of the Second World War? At Interparking Wyspa Spichrzów! Two levels of parking are available, right in the heart of Gdańsk’s Old Town. All the key attractions are within easy reach! Don’t worry about finding a free spot or ensuring your car’s safety—there are 469 spaces, including 10 spacious ones reserved for people with disabilities, plus 7 spots for charging electric vehicles. This lot is guarded and open around the clock—7 days a week. You can enter from both Chmielna Street and Motławska Street.