European Solidarity Centre: an Impressive Museum in Gdansk

If you're planning a trip to Gdańsk, make sure to visit one of Poland’s most impactful museums, the European Solidarity Centre (Europejskie Centrum Solidarności). This award-winning institution is dedicated to the history of Solidarność (Solidarity), the groundbreaking trade union that helped end communism in Central and Eastern Europe. The European Solidarity Centre is an absolute must-see in Gdańsk.

What Is Solidarność?

Solidarność was the first independent trade union in the Eastern Bloc, founded in 1980 at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdańsk. It quickly grew into a nationwide movement, sparking change across the region. At the heart of the movement was Lech Wałęsa, a shipyard electrician who later became Poland’s first freely-elected president in over 60 years.

The movement was central to toppling communist rule in Poland and inspired pro-democracy efforts across Europe.

Inside the European Solidarity Centre

The European Solidarity Centre is much more than a museum. The building itself is an architectural landmark, shaped like a ship under construction, symbolizing Gdańsk’s maritime roots and labor legacy.

What you’ll find inside:

• A permanent exhibition spread across 7 rooms and 2 floors
• Over 1,800 historical items: documents, photographs, protest banners, video clips, and personal artifacts
• Multimedia installations and life-size reconstructions of protests and meetings
• A library, reading rooms, educational spaces, and archives

Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours to fully experience the exhibition.

The museum chronicles the Polish experience under communism, the rise of Solidarność, the 1981 martial law, and the first free elections in 1990. Every room immerses you in the emotions, courage, and sacrifices of everyday people who stood up to a regime.

Nearby: Gate No. 2 and the Monument of the Fallen Shipyard Workers

Just outside the European Solidarity Centre, you'll find two of Gdańsk’s most historic landmarks:

• Gate No. 2 of the Gdańsk Shipyard, adorned with protest signs, this gate became a symbol of resistance and national unity during the 1980 strikes.
• Monument of the Fallen Shipyard Workers (Pomnik Poległych Stoczniowców 1970), a striking memorial honoring workers killed in anti-government protests in December 1970.

Together with the museum, these sites offer a complete and powerful experience of Poland’s fight for democracy.

Why Visit the European Solidarity Centre?

The European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk is a living tribute to freedom, courage, and unity. If you’re visiting for its historical depth, architectural beauty, or cultural significance, it will leave a lasting impression.

Tip: Don’t forget your camera! The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the shipyards and Gdańsk skyline.