Museum of Emigration — Attraction in Gdynia

What a fantastic museum, I went in expecting it to be a good museum, but I didn't expect it to be this good. I got completely flooded with information and spend almost 5 hours in the museum

+points: +A ton of information about immigration in Poland, from past to present. A journey through history. +You really get immersed in the journey of an immigrant in the 19th century, through high quality displays and design of the museum. +A lot of information, in text or for those interested as an audiotour with headphones. I spend 4,5 to 5 hours in the museum, reading everything. +The history told in the museum doens't only tell Polish history, but also of the countries playing a mayor role in immigration and the impact surrounding Polish immigration. +All information/texts are in english and Polish +Clean toilets +Personel speaks english, (you won't really see personel in the exhibition).

-points: -There's continues audio playing in the background, partly to help you immerse in the world of an immigrant, but over time these sounds become repetetive and distracting. They are also very loud, which is annoying.

I'm just stunned by the quality of the museum and will definitely visit it again and recommend it. This is a must visit...

This museum was a genuinely pleasant surprise for me, and I kind of visited it by accident, but I'm so glad I did. It contains an extremely well-researched permanent exhibition which is laid out and curated in a linear 'narrative' which really adds to the experience. The curators and researchers have also done a brilliant job in placing the history of Polish emigration within its wider historical context, including the consequences of the partitions of Poland and the wider European emigration to North and South America in the 19th and 20th centuries. The exhibition is extremely long and comprehensive though, so I would set aside at least 3 hours to see everything - possibly 4 hours if you like to go at a steady pace and take everything in. Everything is written in English as well as Polish, and I personally didn't feel the need to use an audio guide either as there was so much to read and see....

The museum is awkwardly far from the city. After entering the building, I had the impression that the museum is going to be small.

I expected it to focus on emigration issues that are being faced or have been faced in the previous century. Not the case, it is a broad meaning of emigration and the history of Poland is intertwined and beautifully conveyed here. There is plenty of interactive devices for children (and grown ups?). Also, there is many interesting side stories and projects. Many times I forgot that this museum was about emigration, and just enjoyed the experience.

Don't rush through it, split to 2 trips if you can. I will definitely come back once I am in Gdynia again. ...