EUROPEAN NIGHT OF MUSEUMS 2025 at MIIWW and WESTERPLATTE
We invite you to the European Night of Museums, which will take place on May 17th at the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk and on the Westerplatte Peninsula, where the Westerplatte Museum – a branch of the Museum of the Second World War – is currently under development.
Events at the Museum of the Second World War
This special night begins at 7:00 PM and lasts until 1:00 AM (last entry at 11:59 PM).
Tickets cost 1 PLN (except for the theatrical performance) and include access to the temporary exhibition “Fauna. Animals at War and Their Humans" as well as the main exhibition. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office.
Theatrical performance “What Remains”, directed by Daria Sudomir.
This production by the museum’s theatre group tells the story of coming of age during merciless times and of heroes in search of meaning, love, friendship, and a place to call home.
Location: level -3, auditorium; begins at: 5:00 PM (approx. 3 hrs including a break), ticket: 15 PLN <includes skip-the-line access to European Night of Museums programme> (except for conservation studio tours and demonstrations):
Conservation studio tours with demonstrations: traditional paper making and cleaning metal artefacts using a micro sandblaster.
Sign-up location: level -1 near the information point; group size: up to 8 people, tours start at: 7:30 PM, 8:40 PM, 9:50 PM, 11:00 PM; free of charge; participants must sign a consent form for image use.
Scavenger hunt at the main exhibition inspired by the heroines of the project "Strength of Spirit, Courage and Passion – Women Fighting for Independence".
Participants who visit all stations and complete tasks correctly will receive museum gifts (a limited number of gift packs).
Location: level -3, main exhibition, behind the access gate; game cards distributed: 7:00–11:00 PM; entry with a 1 PLN ticket purchased at the ticket office.
Temporary exhibition: “Fauna. Animals at War and Their Humans”
An exploration of the complex relationship between humans and animals during wartime. The exhibition addresses historical, ethical, ecological, and aesthetic perspectives. Alongside authentic artefacts, artworks will be presented, including bronze heads by Zdzisław Beksiński.
Location: level -3, temporary exhibition hall; access: with a 1 PLN ticket (also grants entry to the main exhibition).
”Big Bike Orchestra” concert
A unique Polish pop-folk band that combines music and motion, performing on a custom-built six-person bicycle. With over 300 concerts in 14 countries and 100 million social media views, their spectacular shows guarantee energy, passion, and musical adventure.
Location: plaza next to the museum tower, Radunia Canal side, time: 9:00 PM – musical bike ride, 9:15 PM – concert on stage (approx. 60 min.), free entry.
Events at Westerplatte
Scavenger hunt across the former Polish Military Transit Depot area. Historical reenactors from the Fortress Chełmno Association will participate in full military gear, representing soldiers from Westerplatte. Participants who complete all tasks will receive museum gifts (a limited number of gift sets).
Start location: Visitor Service Centre (“Centrum Obsługi Zwiedzających”), Gdańsk Westerplatte, 77 Mjr. H. Sucharski St.; ends: near the Power Plant building (“Elektrownia”), participation is free of charge. Begins at: 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:30 PM (up to 50 people per group).
Opening of the Power Plant building (“Elektrownia”) and permanent exhibition “Buried Beneath the Surface – Archaeology of Westerplatte”
Nearby, a museum artillery piece model 02/26 (“Putilovka”), used by Polish soldiers at the Transit Depot, will be on display.
Location: Gdańsk Westerplatte, 84 Mjr. H. Sucharski St. (right of the Westerplatte Monument); entry with a 1 PLN ticket purchased at the ticket office.
Botanical walk “Following the Westerplatte herbarium”
Join a special night-time walk around the peninsula with Michał Konkel, herbalist, phytotherapist, and survival expert. Learn about various plants and their historical and modern uses. The walk concludes with a hands-on workshop.
Start location: Visitor Service Centre (“Centrum Obsługi Zwiedzających”), Gdańsk Westerplatte, 77 Mjr. H. Sucharski St., begins at: 7:00 PM, 8:45 PM, 10:30 PM (up to 20 people per group); duration: approx. 75 minutes; ends near the Power Plant building (“Elektrownia”); free of charge.
20. European Museum Night in Gdańsk
Another exceptional night awaits us, during which Gdańsk museums, galleries, libraries, theatres and cultural centres will open up to us for free or for a symbolic one złoty, to discover secrets unavailable on any other day!
This year, we invite you to over 50 places, where special programmes will be waiting for you – concerts, workshops, performances, as well as educational games and activities for the youngest and the youngest. All this will take place on 17th May from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
