Solidarity Museum

This museum, opened on the 20th anniversary of the 1980 shipyard strikes, traces the history of the Solidarity movement and Poland's struggle to wriggle out of the grip of communism. The 'Roads to Freedom' multimedia exhibit consists of two parts; in the outdoor portion you'll see a section of the Berlin Wall beside the wall Lech Walesa climbed to lead the shipyard workers, an armoured tank used to put down demonstrations and more. Inside, elaborate dioramas and props recreate the bare cupboards and empty shop shelves with only lard and vinegar of Poland in the 80s. Slideshows and crackling film-reels tell the stories of the political uprisings and the nightmare of martial law. The famous 21 demands of the August 1980 shipyard strike, handwritten on plywood boards and honoured by UNESCO's 'World Heritage List,' are also on display along with letters of support from all over the world. The well-presented museum is sure to leave a strong impression, particularly of Polish sacrifice... Closed Mondays; open 10 to 16:00.

"The Roads To Freedom exhibit is currently 'closed' for an indeterminate amount of time. But that doesn't mean you still can't wander right in, look at the photographs displayed on large signboards, see the Berlin Wall fragment, tank, etc. In fact, we recommend it. The indoor exhibit is closed, but the best part of any visit is wandering around the Gdansk shipyards, seeing all the buildings in disrepair and the shipyard workers milling about. Really, go explore..."

Gdansk Life
Poland
Aug.09.2007
Overall rating 3/5