Found tucked away in the shadow of the Green Gate, what looks like little more than a three minute diversion transpires to be a fascinating insight into the city. From 1920 until 1939 the city was a semi-independent state, better known as the Freie Stadt Danzig (Free City of Danzig). This exhibition aims to celebrate those times because while the rise of fascism will always cast a pall over the city, it must also be remembered this was far from the nationalist hotbed that is always assumed. The campaign for long term Germanization had been reasonably effective, yet still over 80% of the population regarded themselves as Danzigers first and foremost – not Germans, and not Poles, but the citizens of a unique melting pot in which two nations co-existed. Curiously, however, the recently-expanded permanent exhibition is now dedicated to 'The Poles Of Gdańsk'. This period is remembered by way of dozens of everyday treasures: on show is everything from bank notes to beer bottles, tourist guides, cigarette packets, and, most recently, new collection of tin soldiers! The exhibition features multimedia displays as well as exhibits connected with Danzig trams. While all the texts next to the displays are in Polish make sure you ask for one of the guidebooks available downstairs which clearly describe each display in English (or Russian or German).

Average visiting time: 45mins.