Sopot Museum – get to know Sopot from the inside
- Damian Brzeski
- 5 hours ago
- 16 min read
The Sopot Museum, located in a historic villa right on the beach, is much more than a typical institution collecting exhibits.
It is a carefully preserved time capsule that allows you to travel back to the era of the resort's greatest glory.
It tells the city's history not through dry facts, but through the intriguing fates of its inhabitants, inviting you to get to know Sopot "from the inside."
The seat of the Sopot Museum and its history
The Sopot Museum building at 8 Księcia Józefa Poniatowskiego Street is, in fact, the most important exhibit. It stands as a witness to the region's turbulent history.
The Claaszen Villa as an architectural monument
The villa, which has housed the museum since 2001, is a historic building in an eclectic style, representing typical seaside resort architecture from the early 20th century.
By decision of the Provincial Conservator of Monuments in Gdańsk of 15 February 1988, it was entered into the Register of Monuments – this is the highest form of legal protection in Poland.
Crucially to the museum's mission, conservation protection extends beyond the building itself. It also encompasses the authentic interiors , which is what made the creation of such a unique permanent exhibition possible.
The building's history is Sopot in a nutshell . After World War II, the villa, like many similar properties, lost its private character.
It served as a government residence, and later, during the Polish People's Republic, it housed, among others, the Psychological and
Pedagogical. Its donation for museum purposes in 2001 was a symbolic return to the city's multicultural roots and an act of conscious reflection on its heritage.
Ernst August Claaszen – founder and first owner
The villa was funded and first inhabited by Ernst August Claaszen, a wealthy merchant from Gdańsk. However, he was not a typical resident.
He was, above all, a conscious collector, a man with cosmopolitan taste, so characteristic of the Hanseatic elites of the time.
The intriguing fate of the Claaszen family has become a narrative gateway for the museum – entering their home, we enter the history of the entire city of Sopot. The rich legacy bequeathed to the museum forms the foundation of the permanent exhibition.
What will we find there? Much more than just furniture. These are distinctive collections, such as Delft faience (17th–19th centuries) and English prints, which speak volumes about the owner's taste.
The collection is complemented by documents, family photographs, and even home furnishings such as bed linen and table linen.
All of this allows for an almost tangible sense of the atmosphere of a former bourgeois home. (Interestingly, even Claaszen's historic garden design has inspired research and exhibitions.)
Walter Schulz – architect of the villa
The villa was designed in 1903 by a German architect (sources identify him as either Wilhelm or Walter Schulz). He created an eclectic building that skillfully combined a variety of historicist forms.
This isn't typical urban architecture – it has a distinctly resort-like character. This is immediately apparent. Romantic bay windows, intricate carving details on the facades, and fragments of half-timbered construction (known as a half-timbered wall ) speak for themselves.
This style, very popular in Baltic Sea health resorts (German: Bäderarchitektur ), was intended to create a relaxing atmosphere, often referring to regional building traditions.
Permanent exhibitions and museum collections
The Sopot Museum's activities are based on two solid pillars. The first is the meticulous presentation of the villa's authentic interiors.
The second is the collection and study of various objects that document the social history of the resort.
Reconstruction of bourgeois interiors from the beginning of the 20th century
The main permanent exhibition at the Sopot Museum is absolutely unique. Why? Because it's not a typical reconstruction.
This is a presentation of an authentic, preserved space . We enter the villa's original interior, which, thanks to its historic monument status, has survived almost intact.
They are filled with original furniture, objects and works of art that are part of the rich legacy of the Claaszen family.
This experience has the character of a " historic house museum" and guarantees an extraordinary level of historical immersion. The interior design faithfully reflects their original functions, demonstrating a high degree of curatorial fidelity.
A prime example is the Delft porcelain and earthenware collection – displayed almost entirely in the villa's former dining room. It truly allows you to step back in time, if only for a moment, to Sopot of over a hundred years ago.
Museum collections – paintings, sculptures, ceramics and archives
The Sopot Museum's collection currently comprises over 10,000 exhibits. Interestingly, the institution's collecting strategy does not focus on so-called "high art." Instead, it prioritizes the social history and material culture of Sopot as a resort town.
These collections are a chronicle of everyday life, leisure, fashion and customs inextricably linked to the spa town.
Objects are acquired actively – through purchases, gifts, bequests, and deposits, and everything is overseen by the Collections Acquisition Committee.
The museum also continually encourages residents to contribute to the collection. This is a great way to build strong ties with the local community.
At the same time, the facility operates in a modern way: the collections are successively digitized and made available online as part of the Baltic Digital Library.
The table below organizes the museum's key thematic collections, showing their scope and historical significance.
Temporary and thematic exhibitions
While the permanent exhibition is somewhat "frozen" in the fin de siècle era, temporary exhibitions give the museum room to express itself. They allow it to dynamically address a wide variety of topics and present the results of its own scientific research.
Selected temporary exhibitions organized by the museum
The temporary exhibition programme is an opportunity for the institution to thematically and chronologically "go beyond" the walls of Villa Claaszen.
These are often exhibitions that address niche or cross-cutting themes that simply do not fit into the main narrative of the permanent exhibition.
Some examples of such activities include:
"The Musical Culture of Sopot" : The exhibition focused on the city's influence on the Polish music scene. Guests could see instruments from local bands, archival recordings of concerts, and hear the artists' recollections.
"Under the Sun of Peace. Freemasons in Sopot" : This exhibition explored the little-known topic of Freemasonry's presence in the resort town, and was complemented by an additional outdoor exhibition.
"Sopot People 1945–1948" – an award-winning exhibition about post-war Sopot
The "Sopot People 1945–1948" project was undoubtedly one of the most important and groundbreaking undertakings in the history of the museum.
It has gained nationwide recognition, as evidenced by the main prize in the prestigious Sybilla 2013 Museum Event of the Year Competition.
Winning the key category of “Scientific and Research Projects” was no accident.
This wasn't a typical exhibition about residents. It was a project co-created by residents.
A prime example of so-called "public history ", where the museum played the role of a facilitator, someone who helps recover and organize social memory.
The project was truly multi-platform and included:
stationary exhibition,
documentary film production,
creating an interactive website,
extensive history workshops for all age groups,
competitions for students from Sopot.
The philosophy was simple: "the greatest possible participation from the residents themselves." The museum actively collected accounts (written, audio, film), photographs, and documents from "new citizens, newcomers from all over Poland."
The focus was on three key years (1945–1948), which were considered “the most important for the city’s present-day image.”
It must be admitted that this was an act of great curatorial courage – after all, the fundamental moment of the complete exchange of population and the birth of the modern identity of Sopot was touched upon.
The Sybilla jury, when awarding the prize unanimously, had no doubts, emphasizing that this project "fulfills the mission and tasks set for contemporary museums 'open to the local needs of residents'".
"The whole world is a garden" - the history of greenery in Sopot
The temporary exhibition "The Whole World is a Garden: Gardens and Greenery in Sopot in the 19th and 20th Centuries" (on view from April 30 to October 31, 2025) is an excellent example of the synergy between the museum's resources and its scientific program.
Drawing on archival designs, plans, photographs, and herbaria, the exhibition explores the history of both private gardens and urban green spaces (parks and squares). Its uniqueness lies in its masterful blend of subject and place .
It was inspired by a historic garden plan from the 1930s, most likely the garden of Villa Claaszen itself.
Moreover, among the presented examples of garden layouts (including those of Edward and Matylda Herbst) there is the garden of Ernst August Claaszen himself.
Visitors learn about the history of Sopot gardens by physically standing in one of the key historical examples.
The exhibition also follows the trend of "history from below", bringing to light the figures of "hidden heroes" – gardeners such as Valerius Schutze and Josef Papalski (who worked at Stawowie from 1927 until the 1960s).
"With a View of the Sea" – the Architecture of Upper Sopot 1945–1989
The museum's program isn't afraid to tackle difficult or less obvious topics. The event "With a Sea View—Selected Examples of Upper Sopot Architecture from 1945–1989" is the best proof of this.
It demonstrates that the institution isn't confined solely to the resort's "golden age" at the turn of the 20th century. By exploring the architecture and urban planning of the communist era, the museum rigorously examines the city's complex history, including the legacy of postwar modernism.
Education and interactive forms of sightseeing
Conducting broadly understood educational activities is one of the most important statutory goals of the Sopot Museum.
The museum's educational activities – workshops and lectures
The educational offering, coordinated by educator Paulina Rutkowska, among others, is flexibly tailored to the age, abilities, and individual needs of participants – from preschoolers to seniors. Classes typically last 60 to 90 minutes.
A key element in building relationships with the local community is the pricing policy: although the cost of a museum lesson is PLN 10 per person, educational institutions in Sopot can use the entire offer free of charge .
The facility's educational strategy is holistic and fully integrated with its resources:
Lessons at the permanent exhibition (e.g. "Unusual Objects" or "Ernst Claaszen's Villa and its Inhabitants").
Lessons in the form of walks (the city as an exhibit), including "A Short History of the Resort", "Therapeutic Architecture of Sopot", "Architects and Builders of Sopot" and "The History of the Forest Opera".
Taking up the topic of multicultural heritage : The offer openly includes "A walk in the footsteps of Jews in Sopot" and "A walk in the footsteps of Evangelicals", which demonstrates a mature approach to the complex past.
“Meta” lessons : For example, “Profession – museum worker”, which shows what goes on behind the scenes of working in an institution.
Workshops for adults : Often thematically linked to current exhibitions, such as the art workshops "Woven Gardens" or "Embroider Your Garden", accompanying the exhibition on the greenery of Sopot.
Classes can be booked by phone (58 551 22 66) or email ( Edukacja@muzeumsopotu.pl ) at least one week in advance.
Educational room for children and teenagers
Is there a permanent education room in the museum?
Available source materials indicate that there is no separate, permanent "educational room" like in science centers.
The educational model of the Sopot Museum is based on something else – on dynamic activities conducted directly at exhibitions, in historical interiors, in the garden, and also in the urban space (as walks).
This interactive model allows for much deeper integration of content with authentic context.
Gamification and field game in the museum garden
The museum is keen to use modern forms of interaction, such as gamification, especially during events aimed at attracting families.
A perfect example is the program for the Night of Museums, during which the villa's garden is transformed into an arena for:
Outdoor game for families "In the Secret Garden" : Participants solve puzzles hidden in the garden, and the winners receive a prize.
Art corner for children "What's new in the grass?" : Workshops dedicated to garden inhabitants (insects, birds), during which children can, among other things, make three-dimensional paper models of birds.
The themes of these games are closely linked to the place (garden) and its nature, which is another example of the institution’s programmatic coherence.
Cultural events and local cooperation
The Sopot Museum is a vibrant cultural center that actively collaborates with artists, scientists, and local institutions.
Night of Museums in Sopot – program and attractions
The institution is an important part of the citywide Museum Night program, coordinated by the City of Sopot and the Sopot Tourist Organization. The museum's strategy for this night is not to passively share its exhibitions.
The institution focuses on active programming of its outdoor spaces. During Museum Night on May 17, 2025, the main attractions were the aforementioned garden activities: the "What's New" art corner (7:00–11:00 PM) and the "In the Secret Garden" outdoor game (7:30–10:30 PM). Admission to these events was free.
Concerts, author meetings and literary evenings
The museum runs two parallel, branded event series, which allows it to reach a diverse audience.
The "Closer to History" series : This is an intellectual, scholarly offering. It consists of author-led discussions with distinguished historians and writers who address important, often controversial topics. Guests have included historian Paweł Machcewicz (with the topic "National Communism Polish Style: Moczar's 'Partisans'"), Piotr Tarczyński (on conspiracy theories in US history), and writer Antonina Tosiek.
The "Swinging 3-City" series : This is a social and cultural offering. It is a series of summer, outdoor jazz concerts held in the "almost picnic-like" atmosphere of a historic garden. The aim of the series, led by Marcin Jacobson, is to "promote the work of young jazz musicians working on the Coast." Admission to the event is free. Performers in the garden include Sławek Jaskułke, Rafał Sarnecki, Piotr Lemańczyk, and Adam Golicki.
This dual strategy makes the museum both a place for serious historical debate and an open space for relaxation and high-quality culture.
Cooperation with local cultural institutions
Collaboration with local partners is the foundation of the museum's operations. The institution collaborates closely with the Sopot City Hall , including in funding research projects (such as "Sopocianie") and organizing the Night of Museums.
This is not just an addition, but a strategic necessity , especially in view of the planned renovation.
In 2025–2026, when the building on Poniatowskiego Street will be closed, all program activities – meetings, lectures, and education – will continue "in friendly Sopot institutions."
This best demonstrates the strength of the museum's local connections.
At the same time, the institution operates internationally, as evidenced by its membership in the prestigious museum network ICOM (International Council of Museums) and the ICONIC HOUSES association.
Membership in the latter organization puts Villa Claaszen in the same league as other outstanding house-museums in the world.
The museum garden and outdoor space
The historic garden surrounding the villa is not just a backdrop for the architecture. It is an active, multifunctional curatorial space.
Garden revitalization and outdoor exhibitions
The garden itself is a subject of research. As mentioned, the exhibition "The Whole World Is a Garden" (2025) was a form of intellectual revitalization of this space, restoring the memory of its historical layout from the 1930s.
The garden is also a strategic resource for the future. The museum already has experience with outdoor exhibitions (e.g., accompanying the exhibition on Freemasonry) and intends to continue this work.
During the major renovation in 2025–2026, when the interiors will be inaccessible, the museum will "host open-air exhibitions." The garden will then become the institution's main public arena.
The garden as a place for events and exhibitions
The museum's outdoor space is perhaps the most flexible tool in the hands of curators. It is a multifunctional space that serves as:
concert hall (during the "Swinging 3-city" series),
family park (during outdoor games on the Night of Museums),
open-air gallery (during thematic exhibitions).
The open, often free nature of events in the garden effectively lowers the entry threshold, inviting a wide audience, including tourists and walkers, to experience culture.
Plans for the future
The Sopot Museum is on the verge of the largest infrastructure transformation in its history. The goal is to secure its historic building for decades to come.
Museum renovation in 2025–2026 – goals and scope of work
The historic Claaszena Villa will undergo comprehensive modernisation and conservation renovation.
Schedule: The museum will close to visitors on November 1, 2025. Completion is planned for August 2026.
Logistics: During the renovation, the headquarters and collection storage facilities (over 10,000 museum items!) will be moved to a temporary location at 13 Emilii Plater Street, which will be adapted specifically for this purpose.
Objectives of the works: The renovation has three main objectives: securing valuable heritage, improving comfort and energy efficiency, and significantly improving the facility's accessibility for people with disabilities (including by building a ramp).
Financing: The project is possible thanks to the acquisition of external funds by the City of Sopot (including from the ZIT OMGGS Strategy and the Funds for Pomerania programme).
Consents: The investment has obtained all necessary permits, including the key consent of the Pomeranian Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments (issued on December 31, 2024) and the Maritime Office in Gdynia.
The scope of work is exceptionally broad and demonstrates how to reconcile historical accuracy with modern functionality. The table below summarizes the main areas of work.
The renovation is a huge logistical challenge, requiring not only the relocation of the entire collection but also the transfer of programming to partner institutions. It is the ultimate test of the institution's resilience and the strength of its local connections.
Karolina Babicz-Kaczmarek – director and development vision
At the helm of the Sopot Museum at this crucial moment of transformation is Director Karolina Babicz-Kaczmarek. She spearheads ambitious research projects, such as the aforementioned exhibition on the history of Sopot gardens.
Her vision is to skillfully connect the past with the present. She sees history not as a closed chapter, but as a source of knowledge that can be reinterpreted in light of today's challenges.
Commenting on the 200th anniversary of Sopot in the context of its historic architecture, she aptly observed: "We don't usually realize how important sustainable development was a hundred years ago." This approach gives history a practical, contemporary dimension.
Under her leadership, the museum is undergoing not only its greatest physical modernization, but also an intellectual deepening of its mission.
The Sopot Museum in a Nutshell: The Most Important Questions and Answers
Have questions about the Sopot Museum? Great! We've gathered key information here to help you fully understand this unique place and plan your visit.
Where exactly is the Sopot Museum located? : You'll find it in a historic villa right on the beach, at ul. Księcia Józefa Poniatowskiego 8.
What is the museum's main attraction?: The building itself, the Claaszen Villa. It's a "museum-house" where you can explore authentic, preserved bourgeois interiors from the early 20th century.
Are the interiors a reconstruction?: No, and that's unique. Thanks to its historic monument status, you'll be able to see largely original interiors, filled with authentic furniture and period objects.
Who was Ernst August Claaszen?: A wealthy Gdańsk merchant and the first owner of a villa. He was also a collector, and his rich legacy (e.g., Delft faience) forms the core of the exhibition.
What does the museum's collection focus on?: Primarily, it focuses on the social history and material culture of Sopot as a resort town. It includes over 10,000 objects documenting daily life, beach fashion, and spa souvenirs.
Does the museum only show permanent exhibitions? : No, it also hosts highly regarded temporary exhibitions that explore various topics, such as the history of Sopot gardens, the local music scene, and post-war architecture.
What was the project "Sopotians 1945–1948"?: It was a research project about the first post-war inhabitants of the city, which was awarded the prestigious Sybilla 2013 award and was created in cooperation with them.
Does the museum offer educational activities?: Yes, it has a wide range of workshops and museum lessons for all age groups, from preschoolers to seniors.
Are museum lessons for schools paid?: For all Sopot educational institutions (schools and kindergartens), the entire educational offer is completely free of charge.
How to book a museum lesson?: Preferably by phone (58 551 22 66) or email ( Edukacja@muzeumsopotu.pl ), at least a week in advance.
Is there a dedicated children's room at the museum? : There is no permanent "education room." The educational model is based on dynamic activities conducted directly within the villa, in the garden, or in the city.
Does the museum host concerts?: Yes, the garden hosts a popular summer series of free, open-air jazz concerts called "Swingujące 3-miasto".
Does the museum organize anything for Museum Night?: Of course. It usually actively programs the garden space, offering family outdoor games and art workshops with free admission.
Which international networks does the museum belong to? : The institution is a member of the prestigious organizations ICOM (International Council of Museums) and ICONIC HOUSES.
Is the museum currently open? : (Note: As per text) The museum will be closed to visitors from November 1, 2025 due to major renovations.
How long will the renovation take?: The work is scheduled to last from November 1, 2025, to August 2026.
What will happen to the collections during the renovation? : All exhibits (over 10,000!) will be safely moved to a temporary, specially adapted replacement location.
Will the museum continue its operations during the renovation?: Yes, all program activities – meetings, lectures and education – will continue in partner cultural institutions in Sopot.
Will the museum be more accessible after the renovation? Yes, this is one of the key goals of the modernization. Among other things, a ramp for people with disabilities and accessible restrooms will be built.
Who is the director of the Sopot Museum? : The institution is headed by director Karolina Babicz-Kaczmarek.
When was the Sopot Museum established and what is its main purpose? : The Sopot Museum was established in 2001. Its key mission is to protect local cultural heritage and to research and tell the story of Sopot through the lens of its inhabitants and material culture.
What does the Sopot Museum offer visitors, besides its permanent exhibitions?: The Sopot Museum offers and organizes numerous cultural events in Sopot . Its program regularly includes author meetings , literary evenings , and popular outdoor concerts in the garden.
Is registration required for educational workshops?: Yes, all educational workshops require advance registration . Space is limited, so please reserve your spot by phone or email.
What exactly does the Sopot Museum collect? Does it organize exhibitions of paintings or sculptures?: The Sopot Museum primarily collects objects related to the social history of the resort. However, temporary exhibitions (also called rotating exhibitions ) often feature art – there are exhibitions of paintings , sculptures , photography , and glass, art, and design .
What does Sopot Museum Night look like at this venue?: Sopot Museum Night at this villa is often a different kind of Museum Night . Instead of typical sightseeing, the Museum Night program focuses on interactive games in the garden and the unique atmosphere of Museum Night . It's a chance to explore exhibitions at night in a unique atmosphere, and sometimes a special walk is organized (e.g., the Unconventional Night Walk ).
Does the museum collaborate with contemporary artists?: Yes, although the institution focuses on history, Sopot artists and their work are sometimes featured in temporary exhibitions. However, the museum does not regularly organize events such as tours of artists' studios , focusing instead on exhibitions.
What was the award-winning exhibition "Sopot People 1945–1948"? : It was one of the most important social projects in the institution's history. The Sybilla- winning exhibition "Sopot People 1945–1948" was based on the accounts and memorabilia of the first post-war residents, becoming a model for an "open museum."
How does the museum's location influence its character? : The Sopot Museum's headquarters – a historic villa right on Sopot Beach – is a landmark in itself, offering visitors unique historic interiors and the atmosphere of a former resort. It is one of the most important heritage preservation institutions in the Pomeranian Voivodeship.
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