Museum of the Second World War
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Nestled 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 affected by the war.
Shankar RajasekharanShankar Rajasekharan
00
I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Second World War Museum in Gdansk, and as a WWII history enthusiast, this place exceeded all my expectations. The museum's extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and interactive exhibits offers a deep and immersive experience into the events of World War II. Walking through the well-curated displays, I felt like I had stepped back in time. The attention to detail is remarkable, and the displays are not just informative but also emotionally moving. One highlight was the impressive collection of military equipment and vehicles from the era. Seeing the tanks, planes, and artillery used during the war up close was truly awe-inspiring. The museum's audio and visual presentations provide a comprehensive overview of the war's impact on Gdansk and Poland as a whole. The personal stories and testimonies of those who lived through this tumultuous time added a human touch that made the history even more relatable. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about WWII history, making them excellent guides and sources of information. They were more than happy to answer my questions and provide additional context to the exhibits. The museum's location is also ideal, situated in the heart of Gdansk, making it easily accessible. In conclusion, the Second World War Museum in Gdansk is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in WWII history. It's an educational and moving experience that will leave a lasting impression on you. I can't recommend it enough!
Vinay JangirVinay Jangir
00
Excellent and elaborate multimedia exploration of World War II, with an emphasis on Europe and Poland, mentioning the "Asian Chapter" only occasionally. An overview of the exhibitions can be completed in about 3 hours, however multiple visits and the audio tour are recommended. I easily spent 6 hours and only glanced over several of the detailed explanations and exhibitions. The starting point of the main exhibition is on point, World War I and the propaganda and annexations leading up to World War II. Here Italy, Japan and Allied states are not forgotten. Furthermore, when diving into WW2, the story is told from several perspectives. Nations, ethnic groups, families and individual stories are all infused into the stories of the progressing war. Development of weapons, displacement of people and the underground resistance are just a few of the topics shown in this extensive and phenomenal exhibition. The items on display are numerous and without a doubt mind-blowing. Interactive displays, audio and video all work together to tell the story of the war. Ending the exhibition with peace, the trials, the Cold War and finally the dissolution of the Soviet State. We exit the exhibition and enter the world and Europe we're familiar with, if it wasn't for the (ongoing) war in Ukraine.
Mark H.Mark H.
00
This might be the most impressive historical museum I have ever been to. And that is no small praise, considering I love museums & have been to dozens in my travels, scattered across nearly 50 different countries. Finished in 2017, & only a short distance away from where the very first shots of the war were fired, the Museum Of The Second World War in Gdańsk, does an absolutely stunning job of covering almost every angle of the war, & fully brings it to life for visitors. The depth of artifacts & memorabilia on display is just staggering, & remarkably realistic recreations & displays transport you back to those challenging times. The audioguide is a MUST, & was set up in a cool & unique way, where the recording was automatically triggered by simply entering a specific room or exhibit. 23 zloty museum admission (frankly a bargain if it were 5x that), & then a bit more for the audioguide Anyone with even a passing interest will be blown away. If you’re a “WWII buff” like myself, you could easily spend a week here & not be bored. ALLOW YOURSELF AT LEAST A HALF DAY, if not a full one, to properly discover the authentic stories behind the history. A “must-see” in Gdańsk!
adrian m (Minimogul)adrian m (Minimogul)
30
This extravagant collection of artifacts is located at Plac Władysława Bartoszewskiego 1, in Gdansk. You can easily reach here from the city center on public transport. It takes you 3 storeys down to a systematic sequence of historical collection dated from pre World War 1 to post World War 2. It hosts a plethora of vestiges from the World Wars which includes physical historical objects, posters and armaments, accompanied with an audio visual section at most corners projecting journalistic recordings recorded back in the era of the World War, depicting the atrocities, genocide, crime and the mere scale of devastation the war caused on humanity, specially in Europe. Walking through the alley and sections will take you to a ride into the past from 1914 to 1945. For World War and history enthusiasts its a must go destination, if you are in Gdansk. Make sure you pre-book your tickets to avoid long queues and start the tour early in the day to be able to find time for a late lunch. You should be able to cover everything in 4 - 5 hours. I had to quit half way coz I started late. Best of Luck.!!
Sarathi BagchiSarathi Bagchi
20
With limited time I decided to visit the museum of the Second World War. I regret not having enough time to enjoy the full benefits of the building. As a minimum you should look at devoting at least 3 hours to this impressive exhibition. It starts with the pre-war understanding of the axis pact nations of Germany, Italy and Russia, and their rise to power. Passes through the pre-war buildup and the impact on Poland. The war and the establishment of the concentration camps. The Warsaw uprising finishing with life under communism and the formation of the solidarity movement. Sadly I was only able to take in the information up to the beginning off the war and skimmed through the latter stages due to time constraints. Overall a fantastic exhibition truly interactive and well worth a visit particularly by the younger generation. I opted to go without the headset tour because of the time constraints, but from what I understand that is the preferred option to maximize the benefit of the visit!
JamesJames
00
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Basic Info
Address
plac Władysława Bartoszewskiego 1, 80-862 Gdańsk, Poland
Map
Phone
+48 58 760 09 60
Call
Website
muzeum1939.pl
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Reviews
Overview
4.8
(16.5K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
Description
The Museum of the Second World War is a state cultural institution and museum established in 2008 in Gdańsk, Poland, which is devoted to the Second World War. Its exhibits opened in 2017. The Kwadrat architectural team won an architectural competition for the building of the Museum of the Second World War.
attractions: Neptune's Fountain, AmberSky, Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gdańsk, Długi Targ, Long Market, Muzeum Bursztynu. Oddział Muzeum Gdańska, European Solidarity Centre, Amber Museum, Polish Baltic Frédéric Chopin Philharmonic, DeJa Vu Muzeum, restaurants: Pierogarnia Mandu Gdańsk Śródmieście, Pierogarnia Stary Młyn, Chleb i Wino Chmielna Gdańsk Restauracja, Billy's American Restaurants Chmielna, Pueblo, Swojski Smak, Słony Spichlerz, Gdański Bowke, Kawiarnia Drukarnia, Restauracja KOS

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