Vistula Museum in Tczew

The Vistula River Museum in Tczew, a branch of the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk, boasts a rich history and architecture dating back to the 19th century. Inaugurated on October 9, 1984, the building originally served as Emil Kelch's Metal Products Factory and during World War II operated as a transit camp. After the war, it was transformed into the Pomeranian Gas Meter Factory, and in 1980, organizational work began to establish a museum dedicated to the history of the Vistula River. Tczew won the competition for the museum's location over other cities such as Sandomierz and Toruń. The uniqueness of the Vistula River Museum is reflected in its permanent exhibition, which showcases the history of the Vistula, its importance in navigation and water transport, and the changes brought about by the industrial revolution. Between 2004 and 2007, the building underwent a comprehensive renovation with support from the European Regional Development Fund, leading to the opening of a new institution, the Factory of Art (Fabryka Sztuk), which integrates the Vistula River Museum. The museum is not only a place of learning and culture but also an important landmark in Tczew, highlighting the region's rich heritage and the significance of the Vistula in Polish history.