1. The Royal Castle
The Royal Castle in Warsaw is one of the most important royal residences in Europe. Nevertheless, it’s not the architectural beauty, the imposing interior design, or the value of the works of art collected within its walls that define the unique meaning of this place. In this castle, what means the most is its symbolic content. The Royal Castle in Warsaw is a monument of Polish independence. As a historic royal residence, headquarter of the Sejm (chamber of Polish Parliament) and Polish president it connects Polish monarchical and republican traditions. Razed to the ground under the command of Adolf Hitler in 1944, for almost 3 decades the Royal Castle didn’t exist, just to be erected again between 1971 and 1984 due to a big social uprising. Spread over the years process of rebuilding the castle and meticulous reconstruction of its interiors based on the saved from the war decoration elements were topped with putting the site on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Did you know that at the end of Second World War, in September of 1944, the Royal Castle in Warsaw was blown up? Fortunately, not everything was destroyed. To this day the original basements have survived. Among them, there is the oldest bricked room from the second half of the XIV century which was used as a prison. On the walls we can notice marks which were carved by the prisoners.
Adres:
Plac Zamkowy 4, 00-277 Warszawa
www.zamek-krolewski.pl
tel.: 22 35 55 170
2. POLIN – Museum of the History of Polish Jews
POLIN Museum is located in a modern building in the heart of pre‑war Jewish Warsaw, transformed into a ghetto during the war. It recreates the dramatic Jewish history, showing at the same time that the Holocaust was not the last chapter of Jewish life and culture on Polish soil. The heart of POLIN is the permanent exhibition that offers a journey through the thousand‑year history of Polish Jews. This story is meant to inspire empathy and respect for people of different beliefs and cultures.
Did you know that in POLIN Museum has the only reconstruction of a wooden roof of a synagogue in Poland? On top of it there are paintings of animals such as unicorn, squirrel, lion and many more.
Adres:
Mordechaja Anielewicza 6, 00-157 Warszawa
www.polin.pl
tel.: 22 47 10 300
3. Fryderyk Chopin Museum*
The Museum holds the largest collection of Fryderyk Chopin memorabilia in the world and the institution’s mission is to cultivate the memory of the great composer and to make knowledge of his life and work accessible to a wide audience. In the museum you will see letters written to him and by him, manuscripts of his works and the last piano at which he sat and composed. You will also find portraits made during the composer’s lifetime, a cast of his hand, his death mask and priceless personal items such as the gold watch given to a 10‑year‑old artist in recognition of his talent.
Do you know that according to a Warsaw legend in the undergrounds of the Ostrogski Castle, which is currently a headquarter of the Fryderyk Chopin Museum, lives a Golden Duck? We can tell you that you can meet her not only by visiting the fountain next to the Tamka Street, but also by visiting this museum.
* Note: The museum is closed until April 30, 2023.
Adres:
Tamka 43, 00-355 Warszawa
https://muzeum.nifc.pl
tel.: 22 44 16 274
4. The National Museum in Warsaw
National Museum in Warsaw, established in 1862 is one of the oldest art museums in Poland. The modernistic building, the museum’s headquarter, was built between 1927 and 1938. Today, the collection of the National Museum houses around 830.000 works of Polish and global art, from antiquity to modern times, and they consist of paintings, sculptures, drawings and plates, photographs, old coins, but also objects of functional art and design. What is interesting, museum has 4 units: the Poster Museum, The Xawery Dunikowski Museum of Sculpture in Królikarnia (Rabbit House), the Museum of Interiors in Otwock, Radzwiłł Palace in Nieborów, and Romantic Park in Arkadia. It’s worth visiting all of them.
Do you know that in the museum there is a unique on the global scale collection of a paintings from Christian cathedral in Faras (ancient Pachoras, currently Sudan)? Amongst the museum’s exhibitions there is also a collection of painted Greek vases – the best in Central‑Eastern Europe.
Adres:
Al. Jerozolimskie 3,
00-495 Warszawa
www.mnw.art.pl
tel.: 22 621 10 31
5. Warsaw Rising Museum
The Warsaw Rising was a battle for the capital of Poland as well as a fight for the independence of the entire country and freedom of all Poles. At 5pm on 1 August 1944, the “W” Hour, some 25,000 poorly armed underground soldiers of the Home Army took up the fight against overwhelming German forces. For more than two months, a small patch of the free city became the ground for state institutions of the democratic Republic of Poland. The 63‑day‑long Warsaw Rising was one of the fiercest urban battles ever fought, and the greatest and bloodiest battle in the history of our country. Museum shows us the atmosphere of those times, tells the story of the Warsaw Rising in every aspect and shows its meaning.
Dis you know that in the Warsaw Rising Museum you can find authentic, dating back to the XVIII/XIX century fragments of the cornices and portals from the Royal Castle demolished by Germans?
Adres:
ul. Grzybowska 79, 00-844 Warszawa
www.1944.pl
tel.: 22 539 79 05
6. Museum of Warsaw
Museum of Warsaw is a cultural institution which takes care of the memory of Warsaw and its residents. The headquarters of the Museum are located in the Old Town, in the uniquely combined 11 Old Town tenements, whose former bourgeois interiors have been transformed into modern exhibition spaces. In the 21 cabinets you will find exceptional works of art and everyday objects. Many of them are gifts from Varsovian man and women, given to the Museum as the most valuable things that survived from previous generations. Following the tour routes, you will find paintings by Wojciech Fangor, watches by Warsaw watchmaker Antoni Patek. However, the Museum of Warsaw is not only the Old Town; there are nine other branches in various districts of the city. The entire collection contains over 300,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, maps, packaging and historical memorabilia. Discover the city with the Museum of Warsaw and its branches!
Did you know that in the Museum of Warsaw we can see a sculpture of a dolphin saved from the Swedish deluge and discover many interesting facts about the reconstruction works of Warsaw’s Old Town, which is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List?
Adres:
Rynek Starego Miasta 28-42, 00-272 Warszawa
https://muzeumwarszawy.pl
tel.: 607 565 441
7. Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw
The Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw invites you to exhibitions and events devoted to Polish and foreign contemporary art. The Museum’s temporary headquarters is located on the banks of the Vistula River, at Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 22. In addition to the exhibition hall, there is a café, a bookstore and a small educational centre. The Museum on the Vistula is surrounded by terraces for outdoor activities. The new MSN building is being constructed next to the Palace of Culture and Science. It will be the capital’s largest space filled with contemporary art.
Did you know that a screening room in the new building of the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw will be located just above the metro tunnels and to make it sound‐proof and eliminate relocation of the vibrations museum has used special ani‐vibration mounts to provide comfort for viewers and visitors?
Adres:
Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 22, 00-124 Warszawa
https://artmuseum.pl
tel.: 22 431 07 55
8. Royal Łazienki Museum
Visit the most wonderful place in Warsaw! The Royal Łazienki Museum is the summer residence of Stanisław August, the last king of the Polish‑Lithuanian Commonwealth. It consists of neoclassical architecture and beautiful historic gardens. On display in the monumental palaces and pavilions are the royal collections of paintings, sculptures and prints, as well as works of art of world renown in temporary exhibitions. You can visit the Palace on the Isle, the White Pavilion, the Old Orangery with the Royal Theatre (one of the few original eighteenth‑century court theatres still in existence), and the historic Kubicki Stables, which are open after their restoration. The Royal Łazienki serves as a venue for many cultural events. The extensive selection on offer includes: festivals, concerts, the famous summer piano recitals by the Chopin Monument, theatrical performances, lectures, publications and educational activities.
What do animals in Royal Łazienki eat? In the wild, they don’t eat human food. Remember: bread, buns, cakes, sweets, and other processed or salty foods make them sick, go bad in their stomachs, and that hurts them and causes various diseases.
However, if you would like to give them a treat, please bring: fruits (apples, pears), oily seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax), other seeds (millet, oats, wheat), boiled vegetables without salt (carrots, potatoes), animal fat (lard), pork fat (no salt!), nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts), dried insects. Animals will be most happy with your treat in winter.
Adres:
Agrykola 1, 00-460 Warszawa
www.lazienki-krolewskie.pl
tel.: 518 716 067
9. Zachęta National Gallery of Art
If you are an art lover, do not miss a visit in Zachęta – National Gallery of Art. It is an institution whose mission is to make contemporary art more popular, combining history with modernity. Here you will see the most interesting art phenomena of the 20th and 21st century. Moreover, the building where the gallery is located is one of the most beautiful Warsaw monuments, having survived WWII with its original interior intact.
Did you know that on 16th December 1922 in the building of Zachęta National Gallery of Art Eligiusz Niewiadomski assassinated the first Polish president – Gabriel Narutowicz?
Adres:
pl. Małachowskiego 3, 00-916 Warszawa
10. Ujazdowski Castle Centre of Contemporary Art
In the heart of Warsaw, in the castle located next to Łazienki Park, exhibitions and performances are presented. There is a cinema, a bookshop, a library, a restaurant and a bistro. This is where artists live and create and where the past meets the present.
Did you know that Ujazdowski Castle is located in the place of XI century Jazdów village? Jazdów is known for its complex of 90 Finnish houses that were built in 1945 as a first housing estate in the post‑war Warsaw. These houses were built as a form of Finnish war reparations for USSR, that’s where their name came from. The city of Warsaw wanted to tear down this oasis of calm in the city centre approximately 10 years ago, but their plan didn’t succeed because of the stubbornness and motivation of the residents. Currently these houses are mainly used by non‑profit organisations to store their materials or to organise workshops.
Adres:
Jazdów 2, 00-467 Warszawa
https://u-jazdowski.pl
tel.: 22 628 12 71 wew. 135
11. Museum of Polish Vodka (only for adults!)
Polish Vodka is not only our national heritage, but it is also an essential attribute of ‘Polishness’ recognised all across the world. It’s also a crucial element of Polish culture, which has been served on Polish tables during celebrations for centuries. The goal of the Polish Vodka Museum was to create a space where we could present vodka’s unique history. We are going to use appealing and modern means to familiarise the visitors with the process of vodka production, raw materials used for its production as well as its different flavours. At the end of the tour, there is an option to taste Polish vodkas and it will be a perfect complement to your visit to this place.
In the Museum of Polish Vodka there are many workshops and courses where you can learn how to prepare popular cocktails, traditional liqueurs, and also learn more about Polish national tipple.
Adres:
Plac Konesera 1, 03-736 Warszawa
https://muzeumpolskiejwodki.pl
tel.: 515 015 381
12. Copernicus Science Centre
The Copernicus Science Centre is a real treat for science lovers. Here you can discover laws that govern the whole universe, play with the exhibition on your own. Many workshops, science shows and two theatre stages – High Voltage Theatre and Robotical Theatre, are waiting for you. In laboratories you will feel like a real scientist, and in the Thinkatorium you will stand face to face with the real construction challenges. Remember about the live shows in the Planetarium! After seeing everything, relax on the rooftop of the Copernicus Science Centre.
Do you know that during the Night of Falling Stars Copernicus Science Centre organises free of charge event during which all of the lights in the closest area are being turned off so that people can watch the stars clearly? CSC also puts deck chairs outside on the fresh air so that the audience has the best conditions and comfort during this magical night.
Adres:
Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie 20, 00-390 Warszawa
www.kopernik.org.pl
tel.: 506 379 120
13. Maria Skłodowska‑Curie Museum in Warsaw
Museum is located at the birthplace of the two‑time Nobel Prize winner, the 18th‑century tenement house in the New Town area. The exhibition presents an extensive collection of original notes and letters written by Marie Skłodowska‑Curie, photographs, documents and personal belongings. One part of the exhibition is arranged as a Curies’ laboratory in Paris, where there are measuring devices used by this famous couple and designed by Marie’s husband – Pierre Curie.
Did you know that in the Museum’s building there is a mural painted by Marta Frej and Maciej Raczyński? This work was entitled “Radical Sisterhood” and it describes a relationship between Maria and Bronisława Skłodowska, who made a pact under which they were supporting each other during their studies in Paris.
Adres:
ul. Freta 16, 00-227 Warszawa
www.mmsc.waw.pl
tel.: 22 831 80 92
14. Museum of Dollhouses, Games and Toys
Museum presents a collection of over 150 historic houses, shops, hospitals, and schools for dolls and a couple of thousands of old toys. The exhibition is presented in two units in the Old Town and it amazes visitors of every age. The facility was awarded with a Certificate of The Best Tourism Product in Mazovia in 2021.
Did you know that in the Museum of Dollhouses, Games and Toys we can find nun dolls and mini liturgical vessels which served as a toys for the kids?
Adres:
ul. Podwale 15, 00-252 Warszawa
www.muzeumdomkow.pl
tel.: 502 373 086
15. Norblin Factory Museum
This is no ordinary museum. It is a unique place, which occupies almost two hectares in the heart of Warsaw’s Wola district. An open space comprising 10 historical buildings, 50 machines and devices that have returned to their place after many years, as well as a collection of Norblin platters produced in the former Norblin, Buch Brothers and T. Werner factories. Visiting our Museum is like an urban game. It requires the involvement of the visitors, who will find the exhibits and their dedicated descriptions on their own. Are you interested in antique machines? Or the products of the former Norblin Factory are closer to your heart? Are you an admirer of architecture of the buildings, or are you more interested in the people associated with this place? We have prepared four exploratory pathways.
Each of them is available on three different levels:
— Family – dedicated to families with children
— Tourist – for those who want to explore the history of the factory
— Expert – for enthusiasts who are interested in history and want to learn about the history of the area in detail
Did you know that the small plot of land at the junction of Żelazna and Prosta streets, now occupied by the remnants of Norblin Factory, in 1786 became a property of Franciszek Ryx? This flamboyant personality of Polish Enlightenment era started his career as a hairdresser in the court of Antoni Sapieha, only to become a trustworthy butler and then a personal advisor of king Stanisław August.
Adres:
ul. Żelazna 51/53, 00-841 Warszawa
https://fabrykanorblina.pl/muzeum-fabryki-norblina/
tel.: 728 594 813
16. Museum World of Illusion
Welcome to the fantastic world of illusion and paradox where you can experience how your own brain can trick you. The Museum World of Illusion in Warsaw is an interactive, educational and entertaining space for everyone. Here you can find out more about the phenomena of shadows, mirrors, and balance. Exhibited items engage both younger and older visitors.
Do you know that in the museum there is a Chamber of Shadows and Twisted Tunnel, and that in the Mirror Room you can make the best pictures?
Adres:
Rynek Starego Miasta 21, 00-273 Warszawa
https://swiatiluzji.pl/
tel.: 501 808 006
17. Museum of Life Under Communism
Museum of Life under Communism is a unique place in Warsaw, which takes you back in time so that you can experience the everyday realities and absurdities of the 1944‑1989 communist era in Poland. What brings back bittersweet or nostalgic memories to older generations of Poles will turn into a fascinating discovery for those who didn’t have a chance to experience it. Thanks to genuine relics, artefacts, and everyday life stories you will realize how different life was back then. Younger visitors may be surprised to discover social life and popular culture before they got dominated by the Internet and modern technologies.
Do you know that in the Museum of Life Under Communism you can try an original orangeade from the communism times, which is very well‑known among older generations? This beverage is not generally available anymore in the stores, that’s why we recommend you trying it while you’re here and to go back for a moment to the times of Polish People’s Republic.
Adres:
ul. Piękna 28/34, 00-547 Warszawa
https://mzprl.pl/
tel.: 515 114 469
18. Józef Piłsudski Museum in Sulejówek
Józef Piłsudski Museum in Sulejówek is a modern museum and educational complex in a historical enclave. Its heart is the Marshal’s house: the “Milusin” manor house with a garden. The Museum is located in a forest park with area of 4 ha, where are three historic buildings entered in the register of monuments. However, the heart of the institution beats in the “Milusin” manor house. On the other hand, the core exhibition located in the modern building is the source of the knowledge. The Museum introduces and promotes the memory of Józef Piłsudski’s life, his achievements and his heritage. There is used for these purposes such activities as scientific researches, exhibitions, publications or educational and social programs. It is a space where history and tradition inspire discussions on important and up to date to Poles topics. Museum collects relics and items related to Józef Piłsudski, as well as the epoch, when he lived and worked. The collections cover the period from the January Uprising to the end Pilsudski’s life, as well as contemporary testimonies to the memory of the Marshal.
Do you know that the core exhibition “For the Commonweal. Józef Piłsudski 1867‑1935” is located in the underground part of the new building 11 meters underground?
Do you know that the “Milusin” manor house – the house of the Piłsudski family, from 2020 is a Historical Monument?
Adres:
Aleja Piłsudskiego 29, 05-070 Sulejówek
https://muzeumpilsudski.pl
tel.: 22 778 80 88
