This branch of the Warsaw Museum of Independence details the brutal history of the space it occupies - the infamous 10th Pavilion of the Warsaw Citadel. Built during the Period of Partitions by Tsar Nicholas I, unlike most fortresses, the main purpose of the Warsaw Citadel was not to protect the city from outside invaders, but to hold a garrison of Russian soldiers that would be ready to squash any sort of Polish political uprising from within Warsaw. The 10th Pavilion lies at the centre of the fortress and, if you're looking to explore the fort itself and learn its history, this is your best bet of the several museums and public spaces within the citadel's massive area.

The 10th Pavilion of the Warsaw Citadel was basically a political prison, and the labyrinthe of well-preserved tunnels and prison cells contain numerous exhibits about the history of the facility and Polish stuggle for national liberation during the Period of Partitions. Within the museum, visitors will see many artefacts, firearms, investigative and court documents, personal memorabilia of prisoners and detailed profiles of those who were interred here. The museum also tells the story of the fate and martyrdom of Poles in Siberia, and includes a gallery of paintings by Siberian painter Aleksander Sochaczewski. Part of the museum is outdoors and includes a Nazi bunker, the former prison yard, the Execution Road and Execution Gate through which convicts were led to the deaths, and two memorials for victims.

Note that the museum entrance on Wybrzeże Gdyńskie can be a challenge to find.

Average visiting time: 1hr.