National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk

The National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk, established in 1962, is a cultural institution with a mission to protect nautological heritage and promote knowledge of Poland's maritime history. The museum collects and conserves artifacts related to shipping, boatbuilding, and fishing, making it a key center for maritime research. Its main headquarters are the Granaries on Ołowianka Island, which house permanent and temporary exhibitions, a library, and an archive. The museum also has several branches, including the Crane, the Maritime Culture Center, the Soldek Ship Museum, the Fisheries Museum in Hel, and the Vistula Museum in Tczew. Interestingly, the Crane, a medieval port crane, is not only one of the symbols of Gdańsk but is currently undergoing modernization works. The museum also organizes various educational activities, including museum lessons, workshops for children and seniors, and seasonal cultural events such as the Night of Museums. In 2022, the museum was visited by 385,431 people, while in 2017, it set a record with 469,836 visitors. Due to its significance, in 2010, the museum was awarded the Silver Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis. Also noteworthy are its development plans, such as the construction of the Museum of Underwater Archaeology and Baltic Fisheries in Łeba, which demonstrates the dynamic nature of the institution.