The Museum of Warsaw

The Museum of Warsaw in the city’s Old Town Square explores the history of Poland’s capital over seven centuries.

History of the Museum of Warsaw

The Museum of Old Warsaw, as it was formerly known, was established in 1936. This original museum, housed in three buildings in the market square, and its collections were destroyed in the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. Following the end of the Second World War, the museum was rebuilt between 1948 and 1954, as the city experienced a mass building project.

Today, it spans over 11 tenement houses in Warsaw’s Old Town Square: these buildings have been renovated in the past 10 years in order to ensure the museum’s longevity.

The Museum of Warsaw today

Starting from the establishment of the city in the 14th century, the Historical Museum of Warsaw catalogues the city’s dramatic history up to 22 December 1990, that date on which Lech Wałęsa was inaugurated as the President of the Republic of Poland.

You’ll begin with data infographics in the basement, before working your way up to the 5th floor through 21 themed rooms. The museum has an extensive collection and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and publishes specific guidebooks on aspects of Warsaw’s history.

The museum is open 6 days a week (closed Mondays) and entrance is free on Thursdays. Allow an hour or two to explore.

Getting to the Museum of Warsaw

The museum is located on the north side of Warsaw’s Old Town Square, in the heart of Stare Miasto (Old Town). It’s walking distance from other main attractions and there are plenty of lovely cafes and shops in the vicinity.