European Solidarity Centre, Gdansk

The European Solidarity Center is a museum and library dedicated to the history of Solidarity, the Polish trade union and civil resistance movement, as well as other opposition movements in Communist Eastern Europe.

The center is located in a modern, industrial-style building constructed in the 21st century. Its design recalls the ship hulls built at the Gdansk Shipyard. Since opening in 2014, it has quickly become a must-visit attraction in the city. It is worth noting, however, that finding the entrance can be a little challenging, as the building does not have especially clear signage.

The official opening ceremony took place on August 31, coinciding with the anniversary of the signing of the Gdansk Agreement in 1980. Lech Wałęsa, one of the co-founders of Solidarity and later President of Poland, attended the ceremony.

The center recognizes and honors foreigners who supported the Polish opposition to Communism by awarding them Medals of Gratitude. Its permanent collection includes approximately 2,000 exhibits, while the library holds around 100,000 books and documents. In addition to serving as a museum and library, the center is also a hub for research and academic activity, hosts educational programs, and provides space for conferences and temporary exhibitions.