Emigration Museum | Gdynia

The Emigration Museum in Gdynia, Poland, is a modern cultural institution that explores the history and experiences of Polish emigrants. It is dedicated to the vast and often complex story of Polish migration, from the economic and political reasons that led people to leave Poland, to the challenges and achievements of their lives abroad.

1. Overview

• Location: The museum is located in the historic Gdynia Port, a city known for its maritime history. Its address is ul. Polonia 1, close to the Baltic Sea.
• Inauguration: The museum opened in 2015 in a renovated building once used by the Polish Ocean Lines (PLO).
• Mission: The museum seeks to shed light on Poland's long history of emigration, emphasizing the human side of migration—how individuals and families left their homeland for various reasons, including economic opportunity, political persecution, and wars.

2. Exhibitions and Permanent Displays

The Emigration Museum offers a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions, exploring the multi-faceted aspects of emigration from Poland.

Permanent Exhibitions:

• Poland's Emigration History: This exhibition traces the origins and development of Polish migration, starting with the late 19th century, through the waves of emigration during both World Wars, and the later movements during the Communist period and after the fall of communism.
• Emigrant Experiences: This interactive exhibition delves into the personal stories of Polish emigrants, offering audio-visual elements, testimonies, and artifacts from emigrants' lives abroad.
• Polish Seafarers: Gdynia’s history as a port city means it has a special focus on Polish sailors and their role in emigration, exploring their contributions to global shipping and migration.

Temporary Exhibitions:

• The museum hosts rotating exhibits focused on different themes related to migration, often linking the experience of Polish emigrants with broader global migration patterns and issues.

3. Interactive and Educational Features

• Multimedia: The museum uses cutting-edge technology to provide an immersive experience for visitors. Interactive screens, audio guides, and video projections bring the stories of emigrants to life.
• Personal Stories: Visitors can listen to the voices of real Polish emigrants, telling their stories in their own words, which adds a deeply personal touch to the exhibits.
• Workshops and Events: The museum organizes educational programs, lectures, film screenings, and workshops to engage visitors in learning more about emigration history and contemporary migration issues.

4. Visitor Information

• Opening Hours: The museum is typically open every day except Mondays, but it’s best to check the official website for current hours and any special events or closures.
• Tickets: The museum offers reasonable entry fees, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups.
• Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages, providing deeper insight into the exhibitions and historical context.

5. Nearby Attractions

• Gdynia’s Waterfront: The museum is located by the port, so visitors can also explore the nearby waterfront, the Dar Pomorza tall ship museum, and the ORP Błyskawica naval destroyer museum.
• Kościuszko Square: A short walk away, this bustling area is filled with shops, cafes, and cultural spots.
• Gdynia Aquarium: Offers marine exhibitions focusing on local and global marine life.

6. Conclusion

The Emigration Museum in Gdynia offers an insightful, immersive exploration into the vast history of Polish emigration. Through personal stories, historical narratives, and modern exhibits, it brings to life the complex emotions and experiences of emigrants. It is a vital stop for anyone interested in understanding Poland’s relationship with migration and its impact on both Poland and the wider world.