National Museum in Gdańsk

The National Museum in Gdańsk (MNG), formerly known as the Pomeranian Museum, is one of the oldest museums in Poland, established in 1948 in the buildings of a former Franciscan monastery. As a cultural institution under the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, MNG plays a key role in the cultural landscape of Pomerania. The museum has interesting roots—it continues the traditions of the Municipal Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts, and the history of its collections dates back to 1945, when artifacts began to be transported from the ruins of Gdańsk to the damaged building. The opening in 1948 took place in the presence of important figures, and the museum initially gathered exhibits related to the culture of Gdańsk and Pomerania. In the 1950s, the museum gained prominence through the recovery of many valuable works of art, including Hans Memling's triptych "The Last Judgment," which contributed to its renown. In 1972, the name was changed to the National Museum, and the archaeological, maritime, and historical museums became independent institutions. MNG boasts an extensive collection, including the Department of Old Art, housed in its original location, showcasing exhibits such as goldsmithing, ceramics, and furniture. The museum also organizes important exhibitions, the most renowned of which was "Aurea Porta Rzeczypospolitej" in 1997. An interesting fact is the active involvement of museum staff in defending the buildings from being returned to the Franciscans, which in the 1990s led to public protests and a letter to Pope John Paul II. In 2017, MNG was visited by 162,137 people, highlighting its importance in promoting culture and art. The museum's directors, from Jan Chranicki to the current director, Jacek Friedrich, have shaped its development over the decades.