Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk tells a story that should never be forgotten. It houses relics from the cruel times of war and destruction. However, it also showcases evidence of extraordinary courage and true heroism displayed by those defending their homes against the enemy.
The End of Childhood and Innocence
Dusk was falling. Slowly but inexorably, darkness enveloped the coastline and advanced inland. A gentle wind swayed the boats moored nearby. The waves gently struck their sides, rocking them slightly and promising a calm night.
The darkness thickened, and even the boats bobbing on the water eventually disappeared into the gloom. In the distance, the powerful engine of a tugboat leaving the port rumbled. The sky was clear and full of stars. The boat captain could navigate by them, a skill he learned in maritime school.
Suddenly, a bright light pierced the blackness. A powerful beam, sharp as a knife’s edge, cut through the darkness, outlining the shapes of several buildings, then the beach, and the waters of the Dead Vistula River. The tugboat rumbled again, as if in gratitude, and with the roar of its strong engine, headed towards the Gulf of Gdańsk.
The light grew even brighter, then began to rotate, becoming visible for many kilometres. It was like a spark that ignites hope and gives comfort to sailors and their families, looking anxiously at the distant sea. Darkness and light, joy and fear, the eternal struggle and the great wheel turning since the dawn of time.
Night passed, and the lighthouse ceased its work. The morning was unusually warm, even the northern wind had calmed down. The lighthouse murmured softly and fell silent. That morning, however, it was not alone on the quay; a small boy was there, gazing wide-eyed at the large ship moored at the quay in New Port.
The child had been standing there for some time, looking alternately at the ship and the military base on the peninsula across the river. He was proud, his father was stationed at Westerplatte, and along with other soldiers, they were like a shield protecting the boy’s world. Recently, much had happened in the boy’s life. His father had become an officer, and in a few days, he was to go to school for the first time.
The boy looked at the great warship, which was just coming to life. It had recently arrived as a guest of the Free City of Gdańsk to participate in celebrations, because of which the boy hadn’t seen his father for several days. He looked again at the peninsula, trying his best to see something on the opposite shore, but it was too far. Nevertheless, he waved his arms and jumped, but no one noticed the small figure under the great lighthouse. After a while, the bored child headed towards the city and home, dragging his shoes along the dusty road. He wanted to tell his mother about the ship that had arrived in Gdańsk.
He did not yet know that the sailors of the huge German ship had not come as friends, and that he would never go to school. He did not know either that he would never see his father again, and his childhood would end suddenly, like the light of the lighthouse he left behind.
The next morning, early, the battleship SMS Schleswig-Holstein shelled the military base on the Westerplatte peninsula, starting World War II for Poland.
World War II – A Time of Turmoil, Tragedy, and the Fight for Freedom
From history lessons, we know well how badly things went. Well-prepared and trained German armoured divisions and motorized infantry brutally penetrated deep into the country. Day and night, airports and railway stations were bombed.
Over one and a half million soldiers in gray uniforms marched into Polish cities. They were like a swollen river, fast and unstoppable. Despite the fierce resistance of the Polish army and the bravery of the soldiers, we were quickly defeated, and the occupation began.
Besides the assault from the west, another invader attacked us from the eastern border. Then the enemies turned on each other, starting the bloodiest conflict in human history. Many people continued to fight bravely, with uprisings and revolts. However, it helped little, as we were weak and condemned to observe the horrific events unfolding on our land.
Many years have passed since those events. Some still remember and fear that others have forgotten. It is primarily for these later that the place we are talking about today was established.
Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk
The building of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdansk stands just a few kilometres from where it all began, near Wadysaw Bartoszewski Square. The museum is named after the great Pole, a Home Army soldier, awarded the Order of the White Eagle and the title of Righteous Among the Nations.
Two hundred meters away stands the famous building of the Polish Post Office in Gdańsk, one of the first places of heroic resistance against the German aggression.
The Museum of the Second World War is clearly visible from afar. The symmetrical structure made of concrete painted brick red and glass stands out sharply from the surroundings. According to architects from Studio Kwadrat, who are responsible for the design, it symbolizes the past and future of the city. They say about their work:
“Using the language of architecture, the chosen design tells of the tragedy of the past, the vitality of the present, and at the same time reveals the horizon of the future. The dynamically rising form symbolizes the museum beneath it, creating a broad, spectacular opening of the city’s past to its future. Referencing the iconic panorama of Gdańsk with shipyard cranes and church towers, the building connects the traditional spaces of the city, their scales, materials, and colours with a museum for the 21st century.”
For me personally, it resembles a large building damaged during bombings. Magda, however, saw it as a red-hot shard embedded in the ground. Such is the role of symbols; they stimulate the imagination and encourage thought.
The building is huge, and the main exhibition is the largest of its kind in historical museums in the world.
The course of the war is presented here in an interesting way, starting with the causes of its outbreak, through its early beginnings, occupation, and liberation. The creators did not focus solely on Poland. We can trace the fates of other nations, those close to us, but also countries far across the globe. This allows us to understand how vast the conflict was and how many countries it affected.
The main exhibition of the Museum of the Second World War is divided into several sections, including:
The Birth and Expansion of Totalitarianism
This section provides information about what was happening in Germany and other countries during the interwar period. The exhibition helps us understand how the fascists came to power and how, using slogans of hatred towards others, they led an entire nation to war.
Peace at Any Cost?
Here, we learn about all the mistakes made by Western countries as they increasingly conceded to the fascists’ demands.
Several Sections Detailing the Course of the War
One can trace military operations in different parts of the world. The authors speak of a new kind of war, characterized by a lack of mercy, terror, and cruelty on an unprecedented scale.
Occupation and Collaboration
In this section, the war takes on a very human character. We see how the fight impacts people and their families. Prolonged oppression leads to resistance, which in turn leads to even greater terror, mass executions, and ethnic cleansing.
The incomprehensible horror enclosed within gray, concrete walls makes a profound impression.
The End of the War
A time of joy as it might seem. Unfortunately, the laughter and celebration were short-lived. Instead of fascists, Soviet communists appeared. The Cold War and the time of the Iron Curtain began.
All exhibitions are separate, allowing for a journey through the time and turmoil of the war. Some rooms make a greater impression, others less, but the general assessment of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk is very positive.
The Tasks of the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk
In addition to reminding us of the horrors of war, the museum also serves other roles. Temporary and occasional exhibitions are organized here and in outdoor settings, most often concerning specific events from the war period or dedicated to people and their contributions to the war effort.
Especially children can find answers to the questions that trouble them. A part of the permanent exhibition called “Time Travel” is specially organized for them. The exhibition shows a flat in occupied Warsaw at the very beginning of the war. Over time, it undergoes a transformation, and the worsening living conditions of its inhabitants can be observed.
Children can see how their peers lived during the war, what lessons looked like in an occupied city, as well as play and everyday struggles.
Other exhibitions and educational workshops are held for children and young people of different ages. They take place in the museum building or in the field. The activities on Westerplatte look very fascinating. During a game involving performing tasks, young people learn about the structure of fortifications and their purpose.
It should be remembered that some educational activities are paid, and participation must be registered in advance.
An interesting proposal is the “Museum on the Water.” Cruises are organized from the Wharf near the Lime Bridge to Westerplatte. On-site, there is a guided tour and a return to the same place. Tickets can be purchased on the official website. Inside the museum, as is typical in such places, you will also find a souvenir shop and a small restaurant serving coffee and snacks.
The Museum of the Second World War has jumped to the top of the attractions Gdańsk offers. We liked it very much and believe that everyone will find something here to spend their time well.
Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk Practical information
Address: 80-862 Gdańsk, Władysława Bartoszewskiego 1
Opening hours:
- From Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 – 18:00.
- During the holiday months: 10:00 – 20:00 – The museum is closed on Mondays.
- Tuesday is the day of free visiting the main exhibition and children’s exhibitions.
A place where you can check currently planned events.
Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk interesting facts
- The central place of the Museum of the Second World War is the main exhibition, located 14 meters underground.
- The size of the main exhibition is over 5,000 square meters. This makes it one of the largest historical exhibitions in the world.
- The entire museum covers an area of over 17,000 square meters, and the building has an area of over 23,000 square meters.
- One of the scenes at the main exhibition is a street in Warsaw during a tank attack.
- The Museum of the Second World War collects over 2,000 exhibits and 240 multimedia stations.
- Visiting the museum takes from 2 to 4 hours.
- The exhibits include two Soviet T-34/85 tanks and an American Sherman, as well as a German railway wagon.
- Over 1,000 pages of text and over 4 hours of video recordings were collected.
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