The Warsaw Uprising Museum – Everything You Need To Know

On Tuesday, 1 August 1944, at 17.00, the Warsaw Uprising broke out. It was one of the most important and also the most dramatic events recorded on the pages of the city’s history. Planned for several days, it lasted over two months. The best way to honor the insurgents and learn more about these tragic events is a visit to the Warsaw Uprising museum.

Controversial Uprising

The Warsaw Uprising ended in defeat mainly for political reasons. J. Stalin was contrary and discouraged the Polish underground from staging an uprising against the Germans. The victory of the uprising would stop his plans to make Poland dependent on the Soviet Union. The head of the Polish Home Army (AK) believed that the liberation of the capital from German occupation before the arrival of the Red Army would give freedom after the end of the war.

Sadly, the uprising failed, the capital was demolished along with the royal castle; thousands of people were killed, the remaining population was displaced and sent to the concentration camps. Warsaw was destroyed by about 85% becoming a total ruin. Today some historians criticize the Home Army for making a wrong decision. 

This decision was certainly controversial and will always raise doubts. However, it seems that the Warsaw Uprising had to happen because people wanted to fight for sovereign Poland. In Poles’ memory, the insurrection will forever remain a symbol of heroism and national pride.

Why Visit the Uprising Museum?

Being one of the most important museums in Warsaw is enough reason why you should visit the Uprising Museum. It is that one place that’s comparable to the Palace of Culture & Science or Wilanow Palace—visiting Warsaw without seeing them isn’t visiting Warsaw at all!

The exhibition presents the struggle and everyday life of the uprising against the backdrop of the occupation by showing the complicated international situation, the post-war communist terror, and the fate of insurgents in the PRL. 

The Warsaw Uprising Museum is simply not to be missed.

Tips for Visiting The Uprising Museum

1. Admission on Mondays is free (you still have to get a ticket from the small building, but it is free).

2. It will take some time to visit the museum because it’s huge, so count for at least 2 hours. 

3. Audioguides are available at the Warsaw Rising Museum in 27 languages. 

4. If you’re really after understanding the museum’s dramatic and historical backgrounds, consider taking a Warsaw Uprising Museum Tour to explore its highlights. 

5. You’ll be wandering a lot; the museum can get crowded and hot inside, no matter when you visit, so bring water with you. 

6. The best way to get to the Warsaw Uprising Museum is by bus (102, 105, 190), tram (1, 11, 22, 24) or the second line of the Warsaw’s Metro.

Visiting Museum

The Uprising Museum tells so many stories about people who fought for freedom by sacrificing their lives. And to this day,  the events that followed all seem like a distant nightmare. Once you step inside this museum, it feels like you are taken steps back to the time of this heartbreaking historical event. 

The exhibition of the Warsaw Uprising Museum is vibrant; you can find there over 30,000 displays. There’s something quite special about seeing these personal items of insurgents up close and in person. To imagine the ‘life’ that they’ve had before and after the outbreak. You will see here private letters, weapons, and photographs. 

In the perspective of visiting the museum, it is worth saving a lot of time so that you don’t miss anything important. While inside, make sure to approach standing telephones and carry out a short “conversation” with them. It’s going to feel like you are talking to someone from the past.

This part allows you to learn about the secret forces of the Polish Underground, history of occupation, and uprising. Also, you can watch a 3D movie about Warsaw’s destruction back then. Before the war, Warsaw was considered one of the prettiest cities in Europe and called “Paris of the North.” Adventuresome travelers should not miss an observation tower- the museum’s identification mark.

From here, you can catch sweeping views of the city and its environs. You won’t be able to miss another thrilling attraction of the museum, crossing the mapped channel through which the insurgents even escaped from the city center. The museum is also a real gem for gun lovers. It holds a considerable amount of numerous weapons such as “Błyskawica” submachine gun constructed under occupation and the modern MP – 5 submachine gun currently used by the GROM unit. 

Be sure to check out a huge plane suspended in the air. Get your camera ready and take a selfie with a faithful replica of a Liberator B-24J.

This visit will give you an exceptional experience and will be remembered for a long time. If you are also captivated by the museum, give it expression in the comments below.

Opening Hours

Mon: 10.00-18.00

Tue: Closed

Wed-Sun: 10.00-18.00

Ticket Prices

Regular ticket: 25 PLN 

Reduced ticket: 20 PLN 

This visit will give you an exceptional experience and will be remembered for a long time. If you are also captivated by the museum, give it expression in the comments below.

Photo Credit: Marcin Bialek Wikimedia Commons