Historical Museum of the City of Gdansk, Gdansk

The Historical Museum of the City of Gdańsk is a marvel of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The museum is distinguished by its two primary sections: the History Section and the Art Section. These sections showcase an impressive array of paintings, sculptures, and exquisite works by goldsmiths, potters, and weavers, spanning from the 16th to the 20th centuries.

Among the museum's highlights are its fresco decorations, notably in the Red Council Room and the Winter Council Room. The City Treasury, the Great Hall, and the former chapel also boast remarkable frescoes. The museum takes pride in displaying works by artists like Jan Vredemann de Vries and Izaak van den Block. Additionally, it houses original Renaissance-era furniture, which is exceptionally rich and merits attention.

The Main Town Hall, where the museum is located, is renowned for having the tallest tower in Gdańsk, reaching 81.5 meters. A standout feature of the museum is the Red Room, executed in Dutch Mannerist style from the late 16th century. This room, along with the entire second floor, delves into Gdańsk's history, featuring imitations of old city interiors and providing access to the tower for panoramic city views.

The authenticity of the Red Room's interior is noteworthy; it was carefully dismantled in 1942 and hidden to protect it from wartime bombing, only to be reinstated post-war. Inside, the richly carved fireplace from 1593 and the stunning portal from 1596 are particularly eye-catching. However, the room's centerpiece is its ornamented ceiling, featuring 25 paintings with an oval masterpiece titled "The Glorification of the Unity of Gdańsk with Poland."

Other remarkable spaces include the Winter Hall, adorned with portraits of Gdańsk's mayors up to the 17th century, and the Great Council Chamber, which showcases large oil paintings of Polish kings. This museum, through its diverse and rich collections, offers a comprehensive glimpse into the historical and artistic legacy of Gdańsk.