National Maritime Museum in Gdansk. Headquarters

The National Maritime Museum in Gdansk is a very interesting and rewarding experience. The museum features many models of ships and various dioramas that showcase different times and techniques. It is recommended to plan 3-4 hours for a visit to fully explore and appreciate the exhibits. One of the highlights is the collection of ship models, which covers a wide range of historical periods and construction methods. The museum itself and the exhibition are quite good, offering valuable insights into maritime history. However, the biggest downside, especially for tourists, is that 90% of the texts are only in Polish. This can make it difficult for non-Polish speakers to fully understand and appreciate the exhibits. The museum is located in the center of Gdansk, next to the river, and offers free lockers for visitors to store their bags. It provides a comprehensive overview of Gdansk's development from a seafaring perspective. While some exhibits are displayed in both Polish and English, others are only in Polish. One highlight of the museum is the opportunity to visit a steam cargo ship in the harbor, which adds to the overall experience. However, some visitors may find certain parts of the museum boring due to the lack of descriptions in English. The collection of ship models is impressive, but the museum could be more engaging overall. For non-Polish speakers, additional folders need to be read to understand the exhibits, and adding numbers to the showcases would make it easier to locate the corresponding text. The museum is spread across five floors and offers plenty to explore, making it possible to spend several hours here. It is housed in a previous Granary Warehouse, adding to its historical significance. However, it loses a star for the lack of English translations for the display descriptions. While there are bound guides available in different languages, they may not be easy to follow and may not provide comprehensive information. The exhibits cover a wide range of maritime topics, including salvaged items from sunken ships, the history of navigation, and the maritime economy. Visitors should not miss the large collection of maritime paintings on the top floor. Buying the triple ticket, which includes entrance to the Ship Museum and Maritime Culture Centre, offers a discounted price. It is also worth noting that the ticket is valid for 14 days, allowing visitors to explore all three attractions at their own pace. Overall, the National Maritime Museum in Gdansk is a nice place to visit, particularly if you have several days in the city. The ticket provides access to three different buildings, one of which is a ship. It is an interesting experience for both adults and children, and there are standout features like the small and real "crane tower" in one of the pictures. However, translation is needed for everything, as the majority of the museum is in Polish.