New Landmark on Tricity’s Tourist Map Westerplatte’s Visitor Centre to Open at the End of April 2025
Westerplatte holds a special place in Poland’s history as a symbol of the nation’s courageous stand at the outset of World War II. The site, forever linked to the heroic defence by Polish soldiers in September 1939, draws visitors from across the country and around the world. However, until now, there has been a lack of a dedicated facility to guide tourists through the vast expanse of Westerplatte battlefield.
Slated to open in April 2025, the new Visitor Centre for the Battlefield of Westerplatte aims to address this gap. Designed not only to meet basic visitor needs but also to provide insights into how best to explore the site, the Centre will offer valuable information about which areas to prioritize and how to engage with Westerplatte’s rich history. A modern exhibition, housed in the former Power Station of the Military Transit Depot, will immerse visitors in the site’s past in an informative and engaging way.
Spanning approximately 1,800 square meters, the Centre will feature an information desk, souvenir shop, restaurant, viewing terraces, and restrooms. The building’s environmentally-conscious design includes solar panels on the roof to support its energy requirements. Its striking façade is adorned with ceramic tiles, and the main entrance is highlighted by an eye-catching feature wall bearing the inscription “Westerplatte Battlefield”.
The new Visitor Centre at Westerplatte will offer ample parking, with 20 coach spaces and 168 spots for cars. Special parking areas will be reserved for families and individuals with disabilities, and there will also be electric vehicle charging stations available.
During construction, an unexpected discovery was made—a stone foundation dating back to the early 20th century. Originally built to protect the peninsula from the impact of sea waves, the structure was preserved after consultation with the Pomeranian Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments. The decision was made to maintain two sections of the foundation in their original form.
Inside the Visitor Centre, visitors will find technical rooms, offices, and educational spaces designed for meetings, museum lessons, and workshops.
Deputy Director for Promotion and Outreach, Mateusz Jasik, emphasized that the approach to Westerplatte is one of collaboration rather than competition.
“We are building a broad network of cooperation and look forward to strong, collaborative relationships with the Museum of Gdańsk, which manages both Guardhouse No. 1 at Westerplatte and the nearby Wisłoujście Fortress”.
In the spirit of education and historical promotion, the Museum of the Second World War in Gdańsk also works closely with schools, the Port of Gdańsk Authority, Gdańsk City Hall, the Gdańsk Tourist Board, the Border Guard, and the Polish Armed Forces.
