Housed in Gdańsk’s medieval Foregate building (once home to the Prison Tower and Torture Chamber), this multi-story exhibit delves extensively into the history of Baltic amber. The impressive collection of “inclusions” (when bugs or plants are caught inside the amber) is intriguing to look at, and the many amber creations, from inkwells to spoons to a stunning Fender Stratocaster guitar, shows the material’s diversity. A large open room at the top of the building houses an impressive array of modern amber jewellery that appears more artistic than wearable. Many find the separate exhibits on the building’s past as a torture chamber uncomfortable – and considering the piped-in soundtrack of pained cries, we understand why – but they are a must-see, if for no other reason than to find out what “thumb screwing” and a “heretic’s fork” are. The lower part of the building also housed the city's courthouse from where convicted criminals would be sentenced to hang on the square outside. One of Gdańsk's most popular museums, many of the exhibit rooms throughout the ancient building are small and cramped, and if you happen to visit on the same day as a school group it can be a nightmare; still, it's well worth a visit nonetheless. In the summer months take advantage of the viewing platform in the tower, which costs an extra 10zł ontop of the museum ticket.
FREE ADMISSION on Tuesdays. Check website for more details prior to any purchases!
I was very disappointed. The building is cramped and groups of school children on the narrow stairs make it most uncomfortable. The collection much smaller than expected and is displayed in a way that is neither visually appealing nor scientifically illuminating with specimen labeling that is very poor and unhelpful. A great pity as the museum does not do the collection justice
08.01.2009
Paski
According to Simo, Statocatser was amazing. I was impressed by its size!Many floors full of interesting amber pieces. We were lucky to visit on tuesday,entrance was free! Torture museum was frightening, I couldn´t even take the picture!
05.09.2008
Simo
The best museum I have ever visited! The amber pieces were incredible! Especially the Fedner Starocatrer was worth seeing!! About the torture museum: Susana is right. I think it's gruesome too.
Comments
Doug.
I was very disappointed. The building is cramped and groups of school children on the narrow stairs make it most uncomfortable. The collection much smaller than expected and is displayed in a way that is neither visually appealing nor scientifically illuminating with specimen labeling that is very poor and unhelpful. A great pity as the museum does not do the collection justice
Paski
According to Simo, Statocatser was amazing. I was impressed by its size!Many floors full of interesting amber pieces. We were lucky to visit on tuesday,entrance was free! Torture museum was frightening, I couldn´t even take the picture!
Simo
The best museum I have ever visited! The amber pieces were incredible! Especially the Fedner Starocatrer was worth seeing!! About the torture museum: Susana is right. I think it's gruesome too.
susana
I think it's gruesome