Warsaw
Warsaw history & urban life

Museum of Warsaw: Discover the City's Story

Chronicling Warsaw's urban story within historic Old Town townhouses.

HistoryLocal heritagePhotographyArt

The Museum of Warsaw preserves and exhibits the city's rich history through thousands of unique objects. Its core exhibition uses these items to narrate significant events and spotlight influential figures who shaped contemporary Warsaw.

Dedicated to Warsaw's history, the museum collects and showcases thousands of objects, revealing the city's past and the people who shaped it.

Museum of Warsaw
Museum of Warsaw: Identity and Focus

The Museum of Warsaw is dedicated to collecting, researching, and presenting objects that illuminate the city's past. Its core exhibition, "The Things of Warsaw", organizes diverse collections around individual objects, each narrating a unique story of historical events and the people who shaped the city. Visitors can explore Warsaw's evolution from its origins to the present day through these tangible items, housed within the historic Old Town Market Square.

Illuminated brick Barbican with crenellated walls and arched entrance at night
Museum of Warsaw opening hours in Warsaw

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Museum of Warsaw. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Warsaw.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
-
09:00-17:00
09:00-17:00
09:00-17:00
09:00-19:00
11:00-18:00
11:00-18:00
Museum of Warsaw Admission and Tickets

The Museum of Warsaw provides a comprehensive admission structure for those looking to delve into the city's story within its historic Old Town location. Visitors can expect various ticket categories, including general adult admission. The museum also offers specific free entry options, for which identification may be required, alongside dedicated group tickets designed for parties of 11 or more. Family tickets are also available, ensuring suitable entry choices for different visitor needs.

Regular Ticket (Core + Temporary Exhibition)
PLN 35.00
Concession Ticket (Core + Temporary Exhibition)
PLN 25.00
Regular Ticket (Core Exhibition)
PLN 25.00

Includes a visit to the Praga Museum of Warsaw within 7 days

Visitor Accessibility at the Museum of Warsaw

The Museum of Warsaw provides a range of inclusive facilities designed to support visitors with hearing or visual impairments. Guests can access specialized services including exhibition materials in Braille, audio guides, and tablets featuring Polish Sign Language resources. These resources aim to ensure an accessible visitor experience throughout the exhibition spaces and cinema facilities located within the historic townhouses.

Audio description and subtitles

Available

Braille and tactile features

Available

Sign Language Guide and Tours in PJM

Available

Noise-cancelling headphones and quiet hours

Available
Family visits at the Museum of Warsaw

The Museum of Warsaw provides an interactive experience for families with children aged 6 to 12 through specialized activity cards. These materials feature riddles and tasks that encourage collaborative exploration of the museum's objects and stories. Visitors can collect these multilingual guides upon arrival to enhance their self-guided tour of the exhibitions.

Recommended age: Ages 6–12

The Museum of Warsaw offers engaging activity cards with riddles for families to explore exhibition content together.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Activity cards with riddles to help children engage with exhibits.
  • Materials are provided free of charge with an exhibition ticket.
  • Tasks are available in three languages: English, Polish, and Ukrainian.
  • Activities are designed for independent discovery during museum opening hours.

Activities and resources for children

Activity sheet

Exhibition Activity Cards

Ages 6–12Free

Activity sheets with riddles and crayons to help children explore exhibitions.

Museum of Warsaw Pass Access

Visitors can access the Museum of Warsaw using select city sightseeing passes. Depending on the pass held, admission may be fully included, allowing for a seamless exploration of the collection housed within the historic Old Town townhouses. Please review the specific pass conditions to confirm entry details and any relevant visit requirements before arriving.

Museum of Warsaw: Old Town Location

The Museum of Warsaw is located in the historic Old Town of Warsaw, specifically at Rynek Starego Miasta 42. Its setting within a collection of historic townhouses immerses visitors directly into the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the area. This prime location allows for seamless exploration of both the museum's extensive collections and the vibrant surroundings of the city's market square.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Rynek Starego Miasta 42

00-272 Warsaw

Old Town, Mazowieckie, PL

How to Visit the Museum of Warsaw

When planning your visit to the Museum of Warsaw in Warsaw's Old Town, allow approximately 60 to 120 minutes to explore its exhibits. While timed entry is not required, reservations are recommended to ensure smooth admission. On-site parking is also available for visitors arriving by car.

How to Visit the Museum of Warsaw

Museum of Warsaw: Unveiling the City's Story

The Museum of Warsaw, located in historic Old Town, offers a distinct experience of the city's rich history. Its core exhibition, "The Things of Warsaw," uses over 7,000 unique objects—from everyday items to historical artifacts—to narrate the city's past and evolution. Each piece illuminates key historical events and the individuals who shaped Warsaw's character. Visitors explore diverse collections chronicling the city's journey from its origins to the present, engaging with its heritage through thoughtfully presented exhibitions.

Ornate pocket watch with brass case and clock face with Roman numerals
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A purple watercolor illustration of a bustling Warsaw street in the 1990s, featuring the Palace of Culture and Science, trams, pedestrians, and vintage advertisements.
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"Błysk, mat, kolor": Photography Documenting Warsaw's Dynamic 1990s Transformation

A rich collection of a thousand images and films from many creators.

Immerse yourself in the visual history of Warsaw during the 1990s through this compelling exhibition. Witness the city's rapid changes captured by both renowned photographers and everyday citizens, reflecting a pivotal era.

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Watercolor illustration of Warsaw's skyline blending historic Old Town (Starówka) with modern reconstruction, labeled with Polish terms like 'Rekonstrukcja' and 'Pamięć', evoking the debate over post-WWII city rebuilding.

Warsaw Under Construction 7: Exploring the City's Post-War Reconstruction Debate

Examines historical urban planning decisions and their lasting impact on Warsaw.

Delve into the seventh edition of the Warsaw Under Construction festival. This exhibition highlights the contentious debate surrounding the capital's rebuilding after the war. Understand how these formative choices influence Warsaw's architecture and ongoing property discussions today.

Exhibition: Reconstruction Debate
An artist's workshop space with people gathered around tables, video cameras on tripods, and a large map of Europe labeled 'Unity' and 'Voices' on the wall, reflecting themes of migration and social change.
From Mar 9, 2023

Marta Romankiv: Eurowarsztat Exhibition at the Museum of Warsaw

Amplifying migrant voices on Europe's future through participatory art.

Artist Marta Romankiv's 'Eurowarsztat' project features recorded interviews exploring the future of Europe from migrant perspectives. Discover insights on societal change, civic rights, and identity at this thought-provoking art installation.

Eurowarsztat Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of Warsaw's urban development with construction cranes, architectural blueprints, and design tools, symbolizing the 'Warsaw Under Construction' exhibition on the architect's profession.

Explore the Warsaw Under Construction 5: Profession Architect Exhibition in Warsaw

Understanding architects' social roles and their influence on city design.

This compelling exhibition critically examines the profession of architecture. Discover the challenges of urban planning in Warsaw and the ethical dilemmas confronting architects today. It highlights their significant role in shaping the city's future.

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A watercolor illustration of Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun painting a portrait in her studio, surrounded by Polish aristocrats and their portraits, reflecting her artistic connections with Poland.
From Feb 1, 2017

Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun i Polacy: Portraits of Polish Enlightenment Figures

An exhibition exploring 18th and 19th-century European portraiture and Polish art history.

Discover the significant connections of French painter Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun with Polish aristocracy through her stunning portraits. Organized in cooperation with the Museum of Warsaw, this exhibit delves into Polish art collecting during the Enlightenment.

Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun Exhibition
Watercolor illustration of a museum gallery with visitors viewing historical photographs on the walls, depicting urban scenes from 1930s and post-war Warsaw.
From Mar 18, 2026

Aleksander Minorski: Social Photography and Warsaw's Urban History Exhibition

Documenting Warsaw's marginalized communities from the 1930s to the 1970s.

Discover Aleksander Minorski's impactful socially engaged photography and filmmaking at the Museum of Warsaw. This exhibition highlights his documentation of poverty and urban transformation in the city from the 1930s through the 1970s, offering a critical look at social issues.

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Watercolor illustration of an art exhibition at the Museum of Warsaw, featuring contemporary artworks on display with visitors viewing the pieces under arched ceilings.
From Nov 30, 2024

Museum of Warsaw: Art of Support – New Acquisitions Exhibition of City-Inspired Works

Featuring contemporary art reflecting Warsaw's unique history and urban identity.

Discover a collection of contemporary artworks recently acquired by the Museum of Warsaw. This showcase highlights how diverse artists engage with the city's dynamic past and present, supported by the Museum Foundation.

Exhibition Details
A vibrant watercolor illustration of the 'Na miejscu i na wynos. Kuchnia warszawska' exhibition, showcasing Warsaw's culinary history from medieval feasts to modern street food, with display cases, informational panels, and a cityscape backdrop.
From Oct 17, 2024

Na miejscu i na wynos: Tracing Warsaw's Culinary History Exhibition Across Centuries

From medieval dining to modern street food, explore Warsaw's gastronomy.

Discover how food shaped Warsaw's society and urban life over 800 years. This exhibition showcases diverse culinary traditions, historical objects, and contemporary art, highlighting the city's rich gastronomic heritage.

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History of the Museum of Warsaw

The Museum of Warsaw was first established in 1936 as the Museum of Old Warsaw, initially occupying three buildings in the market square. Tragically, it and its valuable collections were largely destroyed during the Warsaw Uprising in World War II. Following the conflict, the museum underwent significant rebuilding between 1948 and 1954, reopening to help reconstruct the city's historical memory. It operated as the Historical Museum of Warsaw for many decades, undergoing a major revitalization between 2010 and 2012 before officially becoming the Museum of Warsaw in 2014. Today, its extensive collections continue to chronicle the **city's enduring narrative**.

  • Established as the Museum of Old Warsaw

    1936Founding

    The museum was established in 1936 as the Museum of Old Warsaw and was housed in three buildings purchased by the municipality in the market square. The museum was initially known in Polish as Muzeum Dawnej Warszawy.

  • Destroyed during World War II

    Historical period

    The museum and its collection were destroyed during the Warsaw Uprising in World War II. This event significantly impacted the museum's holdings and physical presence.

  • Rebuilt after World War II

    1948-1954Renovation

    Following the war, the museum was reopened and its buildings were rebuilt between 1948 and 1954. This reconstruction occurred within the broader context of the extensive rebuilding of historic Warsaw.

  • Renamed Historical Museum of Warsaw

    1948-2014Overview

    From 1948 to 2014, the museum operated under the name Historical Museum of Warsaw (Muzeum Historyczne m.st. Warszawy).

  • Renovation with Norwegian funding

    2010-2012Renovation

    Between 2010 and 2012, the eleven houses forming the museum underwent renovation, which was supported by Norwegian funding.

  • Renamed Museum of Warsaw

    2014Milestone

    In April 2014, the museum officially changed its name to Museum of Warsaw (Muzeum Warszawy).

  • Collections exceed 250,000 objects

    Overview

    The museum's diverse collections, encompassing archaeology, painting, graphics, iconography, sculpture, decorative arts, numismatics, and architectural drawings, now number over 250,000 objects.

  • Awarded Clio Award for publishing

    2010Cultural significance

    The museum has a strong publishing record, including receiving a Clio Award in 2010 for its "Library of Warsaw" series.

  • Revitalization completed

    2012Overview

    The overall revitalization of the museum was completed in 2012.

Curious About Your Museum of Warsaw Visit?

Ever pondered if your visit to the Museum of Warsaw in Old Town, Warsaw, will be a quick dash or a leisurely stroll? Perhaps you're even wondering if an audio guide will be your silent companion. You'll find answers to these and other helpful questions, ensuring your exploration of Warsaw's story is perfectly planned.

What are the weekend visiting hours for the Museum of Warsaw?

On Saturdays and Sundays, the Museum of Warsaw welcomes visitors from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Is the Museum of Warsaw open on Mondays?

No, the Museum of Warsaw is closed to visitors every Monday.

What are the regular opening hours for the Museum of Warsaw?

The Museum of Warsaw is open Tuesday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays.

What time does the Museum of Warsaw close on Fridays?

On Fridays, the Museum of Warsaw remains open until 7:00 PM.

Practical Visitor Information

To make the most of your visit to the Museum of Warsaw in Warsaw, plan to spend approximately one to two hours exploring its exhibits. While timed entry is not necessary, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance for a smoother entry experience. For added convenience, parking facilities are available on-site for visitors.

Museum of Warsaw Visitor Experience

The Museum of Warsaw is well-suited for visitors interested in the detailed history and local heritage of the city. It particularly appeals to those who enjoy exploring urban development, art, and photography through a comprehensive collection of everyday objects and artifacts. The museum also provides a welcoming environment for visitors with hearing or visual impairments, offering resources such as sign language guides, Braille texts for specific exhibitions, and assistive listening devices. A typical visit ranges from one to two hours, providing a focused exploration of Warsaw's past in its historic Old Town location.

Museum of Warsaw Photo Gallery

Explore a visual journey through the Museum of Warsaw's diverse exhibitions, showcasing the city's rich history and cultural evolution. The images highlight various displays, from historical photographs and period domestic scenes to contemporary art installations and fashion designs. Visitors can anticipate views of curated objects and artistic interpretations that collectively tell Warsaw's compelling story.

black silhouette of a woman holding a sword on beige background
Illuminated brick Barbican with crenellated walls and arched entrance at night
The Syrenka monument stands in the center of a cobblestone square, with historic buildings lining the background under a blue sky.
Ornate pocket watch with brass case and clock face with Roman numerals
golden medallion with profile of a man and Latin text
blue and white ceramic box with ornate design and illustration of Warsaw skyline
A pocket watch with a portrait of a man in a gold frame and two keys on a gray surface
white marble sculpture of a cherub's head with curly hair
bronze sculpture of a man pushing a large gear on a dark base
close-up of a cream-colored historical dress with lace detailing on the neckline and shoulders
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