Gdynia Naval Museum

Set in a modern building, autumn 2018 saw the opening of a new permanent exhibition on the first floor designed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the re-creation of the Polish Navy. In 1918, Poland found itself once again an independent nation and though its access to the sea was drastically reduced from the period before the partitions, the newly reborn nation was determined to create a navy as quickly as possible. Polish officers and sailors returned home from the navies of the partitioning powers where many had held senior ranks. This exhibition, although not all available with English explanations, has plenty of information, stories and artefacts to make it of interest. The exhibition is entitled ‘Mamy rozkaz Cię utrzymać’, literally meaning ‘We have an order to hold you’ (in relation to the Polish coast and sea) and comes from a popular patriotic song.

There’s more to see on the other two floors and in the grounds outside too. Downstairs you’ll find a display of various bombs, torpedoes and artillery as well as a short history about the WWII warship ORP Gryf which was one of the early casualties of the war when it was sunk in Hel harbour in September 1939. Meanwhile, on the upper floor there are some very impressive wooden models of famous ships. The garden holds a collection of old planes and artillery including 18th-century cannons and plenty of garnerings from WWII. Well-worth an hour or so of your time when the weather isn’t conducive to spending time on the neighbouring beach.