Museum of Armaments in Poznań

The Museum of Armaments in Poznań is a military museum located in the Citadel Park, on the site of the remains of Fort Winiary, which was part of the fortifications of the Poznań Fortress. The fort, built in the 19th century, was partially destroyed in 1945 during the battles for the city. The museum was established in the 1960s in the former seat of the artillery laboratory. It went through various naming stages: the Museum of the Liberation of Poznań (1967), the Museum of the Poznań Citadel (1991), and since 1998 it has been operating as the Museum of Armaments. Within the historic fort walls, rich collections depicting the history of military equipment are exhibited, including tanks, aircraft, howitzers, and cannons, some of which were used by the Polish Army. Particularly noteworthy is the Soviet BM-13-16 "Katyusha" rocket launcher system from 1944, which is the only preserved example in wartime configuration in Poland and Europe. The museum organizes an annual historical reenactment, the "Battle for Poznań 1945," where functional equipment and vehicles from other collections and private owners are displayed. Additionally, during certain holidays and events, the interiors of exhibits such as the T-34/85 tank or the ISU-122 self-propelled gun are made accessible to visitors. As a branch of the Greater Poland Museum of Independence, the Museum of Armaments is listed in the museum register, underscoring its importance in preserving Polish cultural heritage. It attracts over 40,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most popular museums in Poznań. Through its collections and organized events, the Museum of Armaments promotes knowledge of military history and serves as a significant cultural institution in the region.