European Solidarity Centre, Gdansk

European Solidarity Centre, Gdansk

The European Solidarity Centre (known as Europejskie Centrum Solidarności in Polish) is a museum and library dedicated to the history of Solidarity, a 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. It's worth noting that finding the entrance to the center may be a bit challenging since it lacks clear signage. Since its opening in 2014, it has quickly become a must-visit attraction in the city. The building's design is reminiscent of the ship hulls constructed at the Gdańsk Shipyard.

The official opening ceremony occurred on August 31, 2014, coinciding with the anniversary of the signing of the Gdańsk Agreement. Lech Wałęsa, one of the co-founders of Solidarity and a later President of Poland, attended the ceremony.

The center recognizes and honors foreigners who played a role in supporting the Polish opposition to Communism by awarding them Medals of Gratitude. Its permanent collection boasts approximately 2,000 exhibits, and the library holds around 100,000 books and documents. In addition to being a museum and library, the center also serves as a hub for research and academic activities, hosts educational programs, and provides space for conferences and temporary exhibitions.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Gdansk. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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European Solidarity Centre on Map

Sight Name: European Solidarity Centre
Sight Location: Gdansk, Poland (See walking tours in Gdansk)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Gdansk, Poland

Create Your Own Walk in Gdansk

Create Your Own Walk in Gdansk

Creating your own self-guided walk in Gdansk is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Gdansk's Historical Churches Tour

Gdansk's Historical Churches Tour

Gdansk has a long history of Catholicism, hence the abundance of spectacular churches here. Let's delve into some of the most impressive temples that grace the cityscape and see what they are.

Saint John's Church, a Gothic masterpiece, stands tall in the heart of Gdansk. It dates back to the 14th century and features impressive brickwork and intricate details. Its towering spire is a...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Solidarity Union Walking Tour

Solidarity Union Walking Tour

For decades, the word 'Solidarity' (Polish: Solidarność) has been synonymous with the city of Gdansk. The peaceful Solidarity revolution, started here in the August of 1980, marked the outset of the fall of communism not only in Poland but also throughout Eastern Europe.

Stemmed from the country's first free labor union born out of strikes at the Lenin Shipyard (now the Gdansk...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Gdansk Introduction Walking Tour

Gdansk Introduction Walking Tour

The most probable source for the name, "Gdansk" seems to be "Gdania", the ancient name of the river Motlawa. Gdansk began with agriculture and fishing and trade with Pomerania in the 9th century. It was annexed by Mieszko, Duke of Poland, in 975.

The center of town was the Long Market, with its craftsmen. German merchant settlements grew by St Nicholas Church. Gdansk joined...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles