Warsaw is an irrepressible city with a history that has spanned from triumph to tragedy. Emerging from communism to become one of the most vibrant destinations in Central Europe, Warsaw has a little of everything, from excellent dining to great jazz clubs. But this is also a fantastic place for visiting museums, as there seems to be one around every corner. We’ve decided to narrow it down for you, so here’s our list of Warsaw’s must-see museums.
Arts & Culture
Started by two locals with a passion for Warsaw’s Cold War culture, The Neon Museum has quickly become a national treasure and one of the highlights of any holiday. This collection of vintage neon lights and photographs gives you a visceral appreciation of the city’s past. It’s nostalgic kitsch here, located in a former factory that has been converted into Soho Factory, Praga, the city’s arts and culture center. This is certainly one of the city’s most unique museums.
Address: Ul. Minska 25, Warsaw 03-808, PolandHistory & Politics
Warsaw’s uprising was long and brutal, lasting between August 1 and October 2, 1944 and resulting in the destruction over 85% of the city. This museum commemorates the bravery and determination, as well as the suffering, of the Polish resistance Home Army and the population of Warsaw as a whole. The death toll on the Polish military and the civilian population was over 200,000, all this while the Red Army waited outside the city limits, something the Poles still haven’t forgiven the Russians for. The museum is the best place to learn more about this tragedy.
Address: ul. Grzybowska 79, Warsaw 00-844 , Poland
Stephan Delbos is an internationally published writer and editor. Born in the US, he has lived, worked and traveled in Europe for a decade. He’s fond of oysters and arid martinis.