📅 When Is the Night of Museums 2025?
The Night of Museums in Warsaw will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
It’s a unique night when dozens of museums, galleries, and institutions open their doors for free—often until late into the night. It’s also a rare opportunity to explore places usually closed to the public and to take part in special shows, workshops, exhibitions, and guided walks.
Instead of planning on the fly, choose one of the routes below and dive into a well-curated night adventure.
🗺️ Route 1: Around the Palace of Culture and Science – A Classic in the City Center
For whom: Ideal for those who want to see as much as possible in the heart of Warsaw without having to travel far.
🔹 Museum of Technology in the Palace of Culture and Science – After years of absence, the museum is back with a new format. Visitors can explore unique industrial machines, historical devices, engines, and everyday items from the 20th century.
➡️ Want to know what exactly you’ll find there and why it’s worth a visit? Check out our article: A Journey Into the World of Invention – The Museum of Technology in the PKiN
🔹 Zachęta – National Gallery of Art – An icon of both contemporary and historical art. During the Night of Museums, Zachęta usually opens all its permanent and temporary exhibitions and hosts performances and workshops.
🔹 Museum of Modern Art (MSN) – The new, impressive building at Plac Defilad is a must for fans of conceptual and contemporary art.
➡️ Discover more about its exhibitions, architecture, and mission in our article: Contemporary Life Captured in Art – The Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw
🔹 State Ethnographic Museum – Home to one of the oldest and richest folk culture collections in the world. On the Night of Museums, the museum hosts workshops, concerts, and intercultural events.
➡️ Learn more about its fascinating exhibits, permanent displays, and unique atmosphere in our post: A Journey Through World Cultures – The State Ethnographic Museum in Warsaw
🔹 PKiN Viewing Terrace – While not a museum, it’s a must-see – especially at dusk. The view over the illuminated city is breathtaking.
➡️ Want to know how to get there, the best time to go, and what else the Palace of Culture offers? Read more in our article: The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw – History, Attractions, and Modern Use
➡️ Distance between locations: 5–10 minutes on foot.
🕯️ Route 2: Memory and History – Warsaw That Survived
For whom: Perfect for those who want to understand the tragedies of the 20th century and spend this night in reflection and remembrance.
🔹 Pawiak Prison Museum – A former Gestapo prison. The exhibition portrays the tragic fate of political prisoners, executions, and daily life behind bars. During the Night of Museums, the atmosphere is one of silence and deep reflection.
➡️ Discover the history of this place that continues to move and inspire reflection: Pawiak Prison Museum – A Memorial Site of Tragic History
🔹 Mausoleum of Struggle and Martyrdom (Szucha) – Original Gestapo cells with inscriptions scratched into the walls by prisoners. A hauntingly authentic place of suffering, open to the public only on special occasions – this night is a rare chance to visit.
🔹 Warsaw Uprising Museum – One of the most modern museums in Poland. On the Night of Museums, it offers an expanded program, including the 3D film “City of Ruins,” guided tours, and concerts.
🔹 Powązki Military Cemetery – While not a museum, evening walks with a guide through the Avenues of Merit and among the graves of Warsaw Uprising heroes offer an unforgettable experience.
➡️ Learn more about one of Poland’s most important national remembrance sites: Powązki Military Cemetery – A National Memorial in Warsaw
🔹 POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews – A unique institution documenting 1,000 years of Jewish history in Poland. On the Night of Museums, it often opens both its core and temporary exhibitions, and hosts concerts and family workshops.
📌 Check out our article on Pawiak, Palmiry, and the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising for more context and historical insight.
🎨 Route 3: Art and Inspiration – Classics and Contemporary
For whom: Perfect for lovers of painting, sculpture, and photography.
🔹 National Museum in Warsaw – A vast collection of Polish and European paintings, ancient art, as well as galleries dedicated to posters and design. During the Night of Museums, all exhibitions are typically open free of charge.
🔹 Centre for Contemporary Art – Ujazdowski Castle – Showcases cutting-edge projects at the intersection of art, philosophy, and society. In the evening, expect light installations and live performances.
🔹 Museum of Asia and the Pacific – A colorful and unique collection of artifacts from India, China, Japan, and the Middle East. On the Night of Museums, the venue often hosts martial arts demonstrations, oriental cooking shows, and calligraphy workshops.
➡️ Read more about the special atmosphere and cultural richness of this place here: Museum of Asia and the Pacific – An Exotic Journey Through the Art and Culture of the Orient
🔹 History Meeting House – Focused on photographic and documentary exhibitions. A great spot for a shorter, thought-provoking visit.
🔹 Królikarnia – Xawery Dunikowski Museum of Sculpture – A charming, intimate sculpture museum nestled in greenery. It’s well worth taking a walk through the sculpture park and galleries in the evening.
👨👩👧👦 Route 4: Family-Friendly – Learning Through Play
For whom: Families with children and anyone looking for a lighter, more playful experience.
🔹 Copernicus Science Centre – A classic that always draws crowds. Full of interactive exhibits, labs, and hands-on experiment zones. Be sure to check in advance if reservations are required.
🔹 Museum of Dollhouses, Games and Toys – A delight not only for children but also for adults. Thousands of miniature everyday items—from the 19th century to the communist era.
➡️ Discover this enchanting place that transports you into the magical world of childhood and nostalgia: Museum of Dollhouses, Games and Toys – A Magical World of Childhood in the Heart of Warsaw
🔹 Geological Museum – Fossils, minerals, dinosaur models, and interactive displays.
➡️ Explore this free, surprise-filled spot that fascinates kids and adults alike: Geological Museum in Warsaw – A Free Museum Full of Fossils, Dinosaurs, and Unique Minerals
🔹 Stacja Muzeum (formerly the Railway Museum) – Locomotives, wagons, uniforms, and simulators. You can even step into a train driver’s cabin!
➡️ Dive into the fascinating world of railways and discover what’s hidden on Warsaw’s historic platforms: Stacja Muzeum – Discover the Captivating World of Trains
🔹 Museum of Illusions – A space full of optical puzzles and interactive illusions – perfect for fun and unforgettable photo ops.
🧭 Route 5: Alternative Warsaw – Lesser-Known but Remarkable Spots
For whom: Warsaw locals and curious explorers eager to go off the beaten path.
🔹 Museum of Warsaw’s Praga – A story of one of the city’s oldest districts, with preserved interiors, local crafts, and neighborhood history.
➡️ Discover the unique vibe of old Praga and learn about the lives of its residents: Museum of Warsaw’s Praga – A Journey Through Time in the Heart of Right-Bank Warsaw
🔹 Museum of Printing – Vintage printing presses, fonts, and paper. Often hosts live demonstrations of traditional printing techniques.
🔹 Museum of Pharmacy – An authentic interior of a historic pharmacy. Exhibitions focus on the history of medicine and old remedies.
➡️ Step inside a historic apothecary and explore the fascinating story of pharmacy in the heart of the Old Town: Warsaw’s Museum of Pharmacy – What to See in the Old Town
🔹 Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum – Located in the tenement house where the Nobel Prize winner was born. Small, but rich in atmosphere.
➡️ Discover the life of one of Poland’s greatest scientists and how her story began in Warsaw: Maria Skłodowska-Curie Museum – The Home of a Great Discoverer
🔹 Adam Mickiewicz Museum of Literature – A must-visit for lovers of literature and Polish culture. On the Night of Museums, expect poetry readings, author meetups, and often a chamber concert.
🔎 Practical Tips:
🆓 Admission is free at most institutions. Some events (like guided walks or special shows) may require prior registration.
🕓 Queues can start forming as early as 6:00–7:00 PM, so consider starting your tour earlier or visiting less crowded locations.
🧭 Plan your route in advance – keep Google Maps or a public transport app handy.
🚇 Use the metro and trams – additional night routes often run during the event.
📱 Follow the official program at kulturalna.warszawa.pl for real-time updates and details.