The Hewelianum Center is an extraordinary place on the map of Gdańsk, located within the historic walls of Fort Grodzisko. It is here, on a hill with a beautiful view of the city, that history meets modernity, and learning and fun.
The center, named after the famous Gdańsk astronomer Jan Hevelius, is a place where everyone, regardless of age, can discover the secrets of the world in a fascinating way.
It was founded with education, culture and science promotion in mind, offering a number of interactive exhibitions, workshops and shows. What distinguishes Hewelianum is a unique combination of educational and entertainment elements, enabling visitors to actively participate in the learning process by experiencing, experimenting and discovering.
History and mission of the Hevelianum Center
The Hevelianum Center is more than just a museum or science center; is a bridge between the past and the future, inspired by the legacy and achievements of Jan Hevelius.
The Gdańsk astronomer, known by many as the Gdańsk Copernicus , known for his extraordinary passion for discovering the secrets of space, became the patron of a place that today ignites the imagination of subsequent generations of small and large explorers.
Rooted in the walls of a historic fort, the Hevelianum Center inherited the spirit of discovery, transforming historical bastions into spaces full of interactive exhibitions and experiments.
The mission of the Center is not only to educate and promote science among children and young people, but also to inspire each visitor to independently seek knowledge, ask questions and explore the unknown.
Hevelianum is a modern educational space that combines science, history and culture in the heart of Gdańsk. It is located just above the railway and bus stations , offering not only a rich educational and entertainment offer, but also the opportunity to relax among the greenery surrounding the historic fortifications.
The area of Góra Gradowa, where Hevelianum is located, stretching over 20 hectares , is not only a fortified place with a rich history, but also a popular place for walks and rest for Gdańsk residents and tourists.
It is believed that at the beginning of the 16th century it was the site of the oldest stronghold in Gdańsk, which over time transformed into today's city. Despite many changes and transformations of the area during the construction of the fortifications, the character of the place still delights and intrigues.
The interiors of the preserved historic defensive buildings, mainly from 1867–1874, have been adapted for the needs of modern exhibitions and conference spaces. Thanks to this, visitors can admire not only history, but also a modern approach to education and science.
The surroundings of Hevelianum, with its parks and vast lawns, provide ideal conditions for rest and relaxation. Góra Gradowa also offers wonderful views of the shipyard and the monuments of the Main City of Gdańsk, with the Millennium Cross at the top as a characteristic element of the urban landscape.
The main information point of the Center is located in the Shelter Barracks, which is a historic building from 1870, located next to the main square of the fort, called Majdan. This is where most visits to Hevelianum begin, where guests can obtain all the necessary information about the Center's offer.
Exhibitions and attractions for children and adults
At the Hewelianum Center, visitors have the opportunity to discover the world of science through a wide range of interactive exhibitions that are attractive to both children and adults. They are located in the historical buildings of a former military fort, which gives them a unique character.
The offer includes, among others: "Around the World", "Puzzle", and "With Energy!" exhibitions, which invite you to explore various aspects of the world of science, from geography to mathematics and physics.
Additionally, the Center offers free exhibitions "Time Machine - Man and Bullet", where you can learn about the turbulent history of the fort, and "Hevelianum without Barriers", adapted to the needs of people with disabilities.
For those who want to explore the secrets of military history, the "Fun with History" exhibition has been prepared, where you can learn how cannonballs were counted or weapons loaded.
The Hewelianum Center is also a place where you can actively spend time outdoors, enjoying the greenery and panorama of Gdańsk, as well as participate in numerous workshops and educational events.
More information about exhibitions, workshops and current events at the Hewelianum Center can be found directly on their website: Hevelianum.pl .
Góra Gradowa - Towering over Gdańsk
Góra Gradowa, also known as Grodzisko, is a place with an extremely rich and fascinating history, whose importance for Gdańsk goes far into the past. Even though today it is an area known primarily for the buildings of the Hewelianum Center, its roots date back to the times when it could have been a strategic and defensive place for the former inhabitants of the region.
The history of Góra Gradowa is closely related to the evolution of the military and social fabric of Gdańsk. From the 16th century, when the name Hagensberg first appeared , through various transformations of the name and function, until the present day, Góra Gradowa has played a variety of roles. Initially, as Hagelsberg, it may have been associated with a legendary knight, as evidenced by various stories and names.
In various historical periods, Góra Gradowa witnessed many key events, from sieges of the city, through periods of peace, when it served the inhabitants of Gdańsk as a place of recreation and rest. The changing names and functions of the hill reflect the dynamic history of the city and its inhabitants.
In the interwar period, Góra Gradowa, then known mainly by its German name Hagelsberg, was a place teeming with life, offering residents and tourists both space for recreation and an opportunity to learn about the history of the region.
Nowadays, thanks to the involvement of the city authorities and conservation activities, Góra Gradowa once again occupies an important place in the urban space of Gdańsk, being not only a tourist attraction, but also a place of education and culture.
Although the current name Grodzisko may not reflect the full historical and cultural depth of this place, it is used in official documents and promotional materials.
To this day, there is no undeniable evidence discovered that there was ever an early medieval stronghold on Góra Gradowa, which makes the name "Grodzisko" somewhat problematic.
However, this does not change the fact that this area is extremely important for the history of Gdańsk, being a place that has played a key military role for centuries and has also witnessed numerous historical events.
Góra Gradowa / Grodzisko remains one of the key points on the map of Gdańsk, attracting both residents and tourists interested in history, science and beautiful views of the city.
Millennium Cross in Gdańsk - The best viewing point
At the top of Góra Gradowa, one of the most picturesque hills in Gdańsk, stands the Millennium Cross - a monument erected in 1999-2000 , which is not only a modern symbol of changes, but also an ideal viewing point.
Erected at the turn of the millennium, on the site of a former cannon base, it quickly became one of the icons of this area, adding a unique character to it.
The Millennium Cross, often referred to as the Millennium Monument of the Baptism of Gdańsk, stands out from the city, creating a unique landmark for visitors. Its height, 16.35 meters , allows you to look at Gdańsk from a completely new perspective.
From this place there is a breathtaking view of the city center and the shipyard areas, showing the panorama of Gdańsk in all its glory.
After dark, when the city is illuminated by thousands of lights, the view becomes even more magical and picturesque. The Millennium Cross is not only a place of reflection and memory, but also an ideal point for evening observations, which will allow you to look at already known streets and monuments in a different way.
It invites both residents and tourists to stop for a moment and admire the extraordinary landscape of the city, which combines rich history with modernity.
When visiting Gdańsk, you cannot miss the opportunity to go to Góra Gradowa and personally experience how the city presents its beauty from this perspective, especially at night/evening.
It is a place that is memorable and makes you come back, each time offering something new to discover in the changing landscape of Gdańsk.
Who was John Heweliusz? - Gdańsk Copernicus
Jan Heweliusz, born on January 28, 1611 in Gdańsk, is a figure whose contribution to the development of astronomy cannot be overestimated. His life and work is a fascinating story about passion, science and the search for answers to questions about the universe that humanity has been asking since the dawn of time.
Heweliusz, the son of a brewer, in his youth combined his scientific interests with education in the field of law at the University of Leiden, but it was astronomy that ultimately became the field in which he marked his place in history.
Known as Johannes Hevelius in the scientific community outside Poland, Hevelius was not only an outstanding astronomer, but also the constructor and creator of one of the most advanced astronomical observatories of his time.
Located on the roofs of three interconnected tenement houses in Gdańsk, this observatory became a scientific center where scientists from all over Europe came to use its extraordinary astronomical instruments, such as the giant sextant, which Hevelius himself designed and built.
Hevelius is the author of several fundamental works in the field of astronomy, including "Selenographia", which is considered the first detailed description of the lunar surface.
Thanks to his observations, Hevelius documented not only the mountains and craters of the Moon, but was also the first to catalog the constellations of the northern sky, introducing constellations such as the Fox, the Vulture and the Sobieski Shield into astronomy.
His work was extremely precise, which was an exceptional achievement in those days, without access to telescopes as we know them today.
However, not only scientific achievements deserve attention in Heweliusz's biography. His life was also full of dramatic events, such as the great fire of Gdańsk in 1679, which destroyed his house, observatory and most of his scientific instruments.
Despite this tragedy, he continued his research with undiminished enthusiasm, rebuilding the observatory and resuming scientific work until his death in 1687.
The figure of John Hevelius continues to inspire not only scientists, but all those who value unwavering curiosity about the world and determination in pursuing a goal. His life and work are proof that passion and perseverance can lead to discoveries that will change our perception of reality.
In Gdańsk, the city that Hevelius loved so much and where he spent his entire life, his legacy is still alive, and the Hewelianum Center, named in his honor, is a place where new generations have the chance to be inspired by his extraordinary history.