Interesting museums in Poland

🕗 9 minutes | March 11, 2025 | Text Klara Krysiak  

Are you an art lover looking to discover new places full of history and culture? Or perhaps a traveler seeking unique experiences in Poland? Whatever your motivations are, in this article you will discover interesting Polish museums worth visiting. Get ready for a journey through art that will enrich your perception of the world!

In Warsaw, art-related facilities can be seen virtually everywhere, and museums that go beyond standard exhibitions await you in the city center. These are must-stops for anyone who wants to experience art in an unusual way. In this part of the article, we'll take you on a tour of Warsaw's museums, where art comes alive again.

The Museum of Polish Vodka is located in the historic Koneser Praga Center and presents various aspects of vodka production and the importance of the drink to Polish culture. At the Vodka Museum in Warsaw, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the distillation process, view historic distillery equipment and learn more about the drink's role in Polish customs. The Vodka Museum in Warsaw not only provides knowledge, but is also a place for tasting — you will taste real Polish vodka here, enjoying the full flavor and aroma.

The Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum, located at 16 Freta Street, is a place of interest not only to science lovers. Dedicated to the Nobel Prize winner in physics and chemistry, the museum collects personal memorabilia, documents, and equipment related to Skłodowska-Curie's life and work. Stepping inside, you will be immersed in the story of this exceptional woman who changed the scientific world with her passion and determination.

The Andrzej Wawrzyniak Asia and Pacific Museum is a treasure trove of exotic cultures and traditions — the only facility of its kind in Poland. Located in Solec, its collection includes more than 20,000 objects, including art, textiles, musical instruments and everyday objects from countries such as Japan, China, and Indonesia.

The Theater Museum in Warsaw is a unique place for lovers of the performing arts. It is located in the building of the Grand Theater — National Opera, which in itself adds to its prestige. The museum gathers rich collections related to the history of theater and opera in Poland, presenting exhibits such as costumes, props, posters, and stage designs. Visitors can also enjoy temporary exhibitions and special events dedicated to legendary performances and artists.

The Wilanów Museum is located in a baroque palace that was once the residence of King John III Sobieski. It has a rich collection of European and Polish art, including paintings, sculpture, furniture, and porcelain. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which are an integral part of the tour, and regularly held temporary exhibitions and cultural events, attract many tourists.

The Warsaw Uprising Museum is a special place on the map of the capital, which presents in an accessible way the dramatic fate of Warsaw and its inhabitants during World War II. Opened in 2004, it is housed in a former tramway power plant in Wola and features numerous photographs, films, authentic exhibits and multimedia presentations. The Warsaw Uprising Museum also offers educational programs that help understand the significance of the Uprising in Polish history and shape the awareness of future generations.

POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews is a modern cultural institution located in Warsaw, which opened in 2013. The museum presents the 1000-year history of the Jews in Poland, showcasing their contributions to culture, science and social life. The exhibits are interactive and engaging. POLIN also serves as a place for intercultural dialogue, hosting exhibitions, lectures, and events that promote understanding and tolerance.

The Museum of Polish Military Technology in Warsaw is a unique institution that collects and presents the history of Polish militarism. It houses many valuable artifacts, including military vehicles, weapons, and equipment used in various periods, from World War II to the present day. The Museum of Polish Military Technology shows the history of the battlefield and places great emphasis on education and popularization of knowledge of military technology.

Torun hides many museum treasures that will surprise even the most demanding explorers. Although it is mainly well-known for its beautiful old town and gingerbread, in its nooks and crannies you can find museums that push the boundaries of traditional exhibitions. So, in this section of the article, we present to you… the strangest museums in Torun.

The Museum of the History of Torun is located in the heart of the Old Town. It offers an impressive collection of artifacts, documents, and multimedia presentations that will introduce you to key moments in Torun's history. The History Museum pays special attention to the city's role in the Hanseatic League and the influence of Nicolaus Copernicus, whose life and work were associated with Torun.

If you are a lover of sweets, then the Living Gingerbread Museum in Torun will certainly appeal to you. This is an extraordinary place where you will explore the history of gingerbread and take part in the process of baking it. The Gingerbread Museum in Torun hosts workshops where you will learn traditional recipes and decorating techniques. It's great fun for the whole family and a unique opportunity to experience the taste of authentic gingerbread.

The Tony Halik Museum of Travelers is a place that collects memorabilia from the famous Polish traveler and journalist's many wanderings. Located in the picturesque heart of Torun in historic interiors, the museum presents a collection of more than 800 exhibits, including unique photographs, films, travel accounts and everyday objects from various corners of the world.

Hidden between the historic walls of Poland's former capital are museums that offer not only excellent collections, but also intriguing stories. In this part of the article, we will go on a tour of Krakow's museums that surprise.

The Underground of Krakow's Market Square is a fascinating attraction that reveals a previously unknown face of the city beneath its famous Old Town. The museum is located four meters below the surface and reveals the history and development of Krakow since the Middle Ages. The interactive exhibitions of the Underground of Krakow's Market Square will allow you to discover the ancient history of the city, and the rich collection of exhibits will show the daily life, trade, and crafts of the time.

The Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow is one of the largest aviation museums in Europe, founded in 1964. It is located on the site of the former Rakowice-Czyżyny airport and houses an impressive collection of more than 200 aircraft, helicopters and other objects related to the history of aviation. At the Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow you will see unique exhibits, including Polish aeronautical constructions, as well as World War II-era aircraft. In addition, regular exhibitions and events are held here, attracting aviation enthusiasts like us!

Among the numerous museums of the Trojmiasto, some stand out more than others for their originality and unusual exhibitions. So get ready for a fascinating journey through uncommon places in Gdansk and Gdynia!

The Museum of the Polish Post in Gdansk is an institution, bringing closer the history and development of the postal service in Poland. It is located in a historic building and offers a rich collection of exhibits, including historical stamps, documents and postal equipment. The Polish Post Museum's exhibits focus not only on postal activities themselves, but also on other aspects of communication and transportation in the region.

The Polish Emigration Museum in Gdynia is a dynamic and modern facility that focuses on the history of Polish emigration over the centuries. Located in the historic Marine Station, it offers a rich collection of exhibits that explore the fate of many Poles who chose to live abroad. Here, through interactive exhibitions and archival resources, you will learn the personal stories of emigrants and understand the sociocultural context that accompanied their journeys.

In this part of the article, we will dive into the world of unusual museums that surprise you with original themes. Get ready to discover places that will broaden your horizons — these are real gems that leave an indelible impression.

The Silesian Museum in Katowice is one of the most important centers of culture and art in the region, located on the site of the former Kamila coal mine “Katowice”. With its modern architecture and innovative exhibition space, the museum attracts numerous visitors. The collection includes Polish art, including works by Silesian artists, as well as collections on archaeology, ethnography and regional history.

The Fire Museum in Zory is located in a building with futuristic architecture, and its exhibits, take a closer look at the history of fire and explain its role in the development of civilization. The exhibits of the Fire Museum in Zory attractively illustrate various aspects of fire — from its use in everyday life to its role in industry. What's more, thanks to modern technology and engaging installations, at the museum you will learn about the physics and chemistry of fire, what applications it has in the energy industry and how to counteract its negative effects.

The Museum of Buttons in Lowicz is a charming and unusual place that invites you to learn about the history and variety of buttons from different eras. Founded out of a passion for collecting, it presents a unique collection of both simple, everyday buttons and more ornate ones from distant countries. The exhibition of the Museum of Buttons in Lowicz is constantly enriched with new and interesting specimens, and it is interesting to note that you will see buttons made of different materials — from metal, to wood, to exotic materials.

The Museum of Applied Arts in Poznan, part of the National Museum, is a veritable treasure trove of works related to arts and crafts and design. It is located in the historic Imperial Castle and offers a wide range of exhibits, from furniture, textiles, and ceramics to jewelry and silver.

The collection of the Museum of Applied Arts in Poznań precisely documents the development of the applied arts from the Middle Ages to the present day, showing how everyday objects witnessed and created historical aesthetic and technological transformations.

The Museum of Art Books in Lodz is a unique place that celebrates the art associated with the book as a form of artistic creation. The facility is located in the historic villa of Henryk Grohman, which further enriches its historical and cultural context. The Museum of Art Books in Lodz offers a unique collection of books that combine literature and visual arts.

The Museum of Toys and Play in Kielce houses several thousand exhibits, including vintage dolls, teddy bears, toy car models, board games, and many other toys that were once the dream of many children. Interestingly, the institution is not limited to static exhibits; it regularly organizes engaging workshops and educational events.

The Museum of Soap and the History of Dirt is one of the most unusual places to visit. Here, you will find fascinating exhibits related to the history of hygiene and body care. The museum also offers workshops where visitors can make their own soap and learn the secrets of old hygiene methods.

The Museum of Warnings, Notices, and Appeals is a modest but intriguing place located within the Gold Mine in Zloty Stok. It is dedicated to various forms of warnings and social messages. Here, you will find unusual informational signs from past years, featuring interesting messages — ranging from those related to health and safety to more enigmatic ones like “Please do not urinate in the sink.” This place highlights the importance of effective communication in society and the various forms of communication used throughout the ages.

The Living Museum of Ceramics in Boleslawiec offers the opportunity to understand and experience the rich tradition of Boleslawiec pottery. Located in the heart of Lower Silesia, it attracts enthusiasts from both Poland and abroad. A visit to the Living Museum of Ceramics in Boleslawiec is not just about passively viewing exhibits; here, you can participate in interactive workshops where you can create your own ceramic pieces. The museum focuses on showcasing production processes, from hand molding to intricate decoration with traditional patterns.

The Museum of Cartoons in Rzeszow is the only place of its kind in Poland, dedicated to the iconic animated shows that entertained children for generations. In the museum, you can see original characters and scripts from animations such as “Bolek and Lolek,” “Reksio,” and “Miś Uszatek.” The exhibition at the Museum of Cartoons includes memorabilia related to the production of cartoons and interactive attractions that will delight both adults and children.

The Motorization Museum in Olawa houses a collection of vintage cars and showcases the history of motorization in Poland. In the museum, you can admire vehicles from various eras, from classic models of the 1920s to icons of the 80s and 90s. The Motorization Museum is an ideal place for car enthusiasts and anyone wanting to explore the fascinating world of vintage vehicles.