Visit Warsaw’s Top Museums
Poland has a fascinating and turbulent history, and as a result, Warsaw has some of the most inspiring museums showcasing the country’s thralling past. So, if you are not sure where to begin in the city’s vast museum collection, then check out our “must-see Warsaw museum” list and dive into Poland’s unique past, discover it’s beautiful art, and learn about the nation’s most beloved public figures.
POLIN Museum
Despite its humble surroundings located at the very heart of Muranów district, the former Warsaw Ghetto, the POLIN Museum is known for its unique building – a shining beacon of glass, copper and concrete, designed by the Finnish architect Rainer Mahlamäki. Once inside this impressive modern structure, you will be submerged in 43,000 square feet of Jewish history. They hold incredible exhibitions all year round, with multimedia displays, 3D models of Krakow and the Jewish neighborhood of Kazimierz, a moving Holocaust gallery and interactive displays. So needless to say that learning about the Jewish history and culture has never been more fun.
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Moreover, you can finish off your visit by dining at the fully Kosher restaurant in the museum itself. If you’re interested in Jewish history or it’s heritage, then the Polin Museum is a must for you.
Fryderyk Chopin Museum
The Fryderyk Chopin Museum opened in 2010 as a mark of one of Poland’s most important figure’s 200th anniversary, and it immediately became one of the most high-tech museums in Europe. Set on 4 different levels, the outstanding 5,000 exhibits showcase Chopin’s life from start to finish, including all the juicy details. Among the many personal items, you will find Chopin’s passports, a lock of his hair, the last letter he wrote to his family and even dried flowers from his deathbed. However, what makes this museum so special, is the amazing portrayal of his life through e-books, audio-visuals, musical games, and touch screens, creating a completely tailored experience for the museum guests.
The Chopin museum is easily one of the top museums to visit when in Warsaw.
National Museum
The National Museum is one of Poland’s oldest museums, housed inside a giant and distinctive inter-war building. The museum holds over 830,000 works of art, including pieces from famed Polish artists such as Wilhelm Sasnal, Matejko and Chełmoński, and international wonders such as Ingres and Botticelli and is famed for its spectacular collection of art dating from antiquity to the present. As the National Museum has been open since 1862, the sheer array of both permanent and temporary exhibitions is just awe-striking.
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Neon Museum
If you’ve had your fill of art and Polish history, then this next museum will be right up your alley. The Neon Museum is located in Soho Factory, a very hip area, and is one of the coolest museums in Warsaw. With over 60 neon signs from the Cold War era, many more modern models and an impressive collection of electro-graphic design, there are endless glowing wonders to be discovered. What really stands out in this museum is it’s sheer creativity and unusual art form, which was surprisingly created as a form of Poland’s state propaganda effort.
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In the Neon Museum, photography isn’t just allowed, it’s highly encouraged. So, snap away!
Vodka Museum
A list of Polish museums just wouldn’t be complete without Vodka, because let’s face it, nothing is. This boozy museum’s sole purpose is to showcase the pure passion that Polish have for their national drink. Dive into the fascinating history of Polish Vodka, see how it’s made, and most importantly, learn how to enjoy each and every sip.
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The museum not only showcases unique historical items related to Vodka, such as a Napoleonic soldier’s Vodka canteen and the bottles that were sent to the USA during the alcohol prohibition of the 1920s, but they also provide Vodka tastings at the end of your tour.
