Well, this is both an extremely interesting, yet harrowing experience.
The museum itself is impressive looking from both outside and in, you immediately know you're going to have a good quality experience from the get go. The layout and exhibitions are really visual and interesting whilst providing you with loads of information.
The structure of the tour is really well laid out, you have the pre-war section, showcasing all the propaganda and the overall build up to the war. Then you have the war itself, the battles and struggles faced by the Polish people. Then the most harrowing which is relating to the terror that Poland and the Jewish population faced, this section is hard and may even make some emotional when faced with some of the stories and displays. Finally there is the post war section, explaining the eventual fall of the Iron Curtain. A really great tour, we could have easily stayed for +4 hours I think but we didn't read/view every single showcase.
I have to rate this as one of the best war Museums I've been to, up there with the National in London. This one really puts the emphasis on Poland though, and this is one of the most important things I think every single person in the world should learn about. This museum not only teaches you but thanks to all the visuals, you can witness it as well. It's got some very powerful pieces throughout the Museum.
When a Museum like this can make one feel and show emotions, the museum has done their job well. Without spoiling it, there is one section within the 'Terror' section exhibit, where I was already feeling emotional from what I was reading and witnessing, but i was not ready for what I saw next. I remember just walking around one corner and found had to just stop in my step and realize what I was seeing.to say it was hard to take would be a grave understatement... I was shocked, moved and emotional. Very powerful and eye-opening.. I slowly took my first step to walk directly through this visual showcase, after a couple of feet in - it felt like it would never end, I continued through in total silence, nobody around me saying a word. Just staring in pure shell shocked emotion. One elderly gentleman was frozen in place looking around himself like he was lost in battle, his wife attempting to guide him through. This was one of the most powerful and emotional experiences I've ever had. I can't commend the museum staff who put this together, speechless.
Even if you don't read every single article or view every movie, this museum is a must see. I really hope that families will continue to educate the younger generations on the atrocities that unfolded back then, it's such an important lesson for all humankind.
Fantastic Museum, a must see for...
Read moreNestled in the heart of Gdansk, the World War II Museum stands as a poignant tribute to the indomitable spirit of a nation during one of the darkest chapters in human history. My recent visit to this immersive museum left me profoundly moved, as it masterfully captured the entirety of World War II, showcasing Poland's staggering losses and the emotional weight of the conflict through meticulous detailing and an extensive collection of actual artifacts.
The museum's ability to encapsulate the entirety of World War II is nothing short of remarkable. From the invasion of Poland to the final days of the conflict, each exhibit unfolds like a chronicle, offering a comprehensive understanding of the war's global impact while keeping a poignant focus on Poland's harrowing experience. The narrative is presented with sensitivity and depth, allowing visitors to grasp the magnitude of the sacrifices made and the resilience displayed by the Polish people.
The loss that Poland endured during World War II is starkly portrayed throughout the museum. Exhibits detailing the invasion, occupation, and the human toll on the Polish population evoke a profound sense of sorrow. The museum doesn't shy away from the harsh realities, ensuring that visitors leave with a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made and the hardships endured by the people of Poland during this tumultuous period.
What sets the World War II Museum in Gdansk apart is its meticulous detailing. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, utilizing a wealth of archival material, photographs, and personal accounts to create a vivid and evocative portrayal of the war. The attention to historical accuracy allows visitors to immerse themselves in the past, making the museum an educational and emotionally charged experience.
Walking through the museum, one cannot help but be overwhelmed by a sinking feeling. The atmosphere is somber, and the gravity of the war's impact is palpable. The museum succeeds in conveying the emotional weight of the conflict, prompting reflection on the human cost of war and the enduring scars it leaves on nations and individuals alike.
The inclusion of actual artifacts further enhances the authenticity of the museum. From military equipment and personal belongings to letters and diaries, the tangible relics of the past bring the war to life in a visceral and tangible way. Each artifact tells a story, serving as a powerful reminder of the lived experiences of those who were directly...
Read moreWe purchased tickets online for admission between 4–5 pm on Saturday, September 6th. On arrival, we found a massive line. Staff told us that only 60 people are let in at a time and the wait could be up to two hours. This makes no sense: if tickets are pre-booked, visitors should not have to queue with everyone else. Even more frustrating, the museum itself recommends around 3 hours for the full visit and closes at 6 pm — which is exactly why we chose to enter at 4 pm. The system simply does not work as advertised.
I am handicapped and unable to stand in long queues. We did not demand priority treatment — we simply asked for a reasonable solution. We were even willing to wait for a while, just not for hours. At the information desk, however, we were offered no real help. The person, who introduced herself as the manager, insisted the only option was to change the time of our visit, which was not possible as we were leaving Gdańsk. She refused to consider alternatives and would not even give her name.
When we went to the ticket counter, matters got worse. The cashier yelled at me to “stay in line or shut up and leave.” This was shocking, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable. Eventually, security staff (Seris Security) escorted us out — despite the fact that we had remained calm and respectful throughout.
This experience was appalling. The staff came across as rude, inflexible, and hostile — the opposite of what a cultural institution representing the history of this city should be. The lack of organization is equally troubling: if you sell timed tickets, you must manage capacity accordingly and honor the bookings of those who planned ahead.
Instead of learning something about history, we were left with a humiliating and deeply disappointing memory of Gdańsk. If the museum wishes to be taken seriously as an international institution, it needs professional staff training, proper ticketing management, and above all, respect...
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