Title page of Befehlsblatt des Chefs der Sicherheitspolizei und des SD dated October 16, 1943, listing names of security police officers who died for the Führer and Reich including Franz Bürkl, Karl Riemann, and Adolf Wagner from Pawiak crew

Pawiak

Pawiak Prison Museum: Visitor Guide, Hours, Tickets, and Historical Insights

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Pawiak Prison Museum, located in the Muranów district of central Warsaw, stands as one of Poland’s most poignant memorials to the suffering endured during World War II. Established on the site of the infamous 19th-century prison, Pawiak bears witness to the stories of over 100,000 prisoners, many of whom were victims of Nazi atrocities. Today, the museum preserves not only the physical remnants of the prison but also the memory of resistance, courage, and the enduring human spirit.

This guide provides comprehensive, up-to-date information for visitors, including opening hours, ticketing, practical tips, accessibility, and nearby attractions. Whether you’re a student of history, a traveler seeking meaningful experiences, or interested in Warsaw’s Jewish heritage, the Pawiak Prison Museum offers an immersive and reflective visit (war-documentary.info; AB Poland Travel; ekompas.pl).

Biuletyn Informacyjny, concerning the mass execution of 530 inmates of Pawiak prison. The victims were murdered in the ruins of Warsaw Ghetto on 29th May 1943."> Front page of Polish underground magazine, <a href=

Front page of Polish underground magazine, <a href=

Biuletyn Informacyjny, concerning the mass execution of 530 inmates of Pawiak prison. The victims were murdered in the ruins of Warsaw Ghetto on 29th May 1943." src="/assets/images_cc/Q116366/1_image_1_m.jpg"/>

Leon Wanat Polish teacher prisoner diarist Pawiak prison Warsaw German occupation

German jury at the first trial of SS-Standartenführer Ludwig Hahn in Museum of the Prison Pawiak, Warsaw

Graffiti text 'Pawiak pomścimy' on a building at Słowacki Street in Warsaw

Participants of the Pawiak prisoner rescue operation on April 24, 1906, including commander rotmistrz von Budberg

World War II graffiti in Warsaw reading 'Pawiak Pomścimy' on a fence

Historical view of Pawiak prison in Warsaw taken before 1906

Ruins of the main gate to the male ward of Pawiak prison in Warsaw on Dzielna street

Polish inmates of Pawiak prison hanged by Germans in Leszno Street Warsaw 1944

Conspirational report partially encrypted prepared by Władysław Bartoszewski on Polish political prisoners in Nazi prisons Warsaw 1944

Conspirational report partially encrypted prepared by Władysław Bartoszewski about Polish political prisoners in Nazi-German prisons in Warsaw, April 1944

Conspirational report prepared by Władysław Bartoszewski on Polish political prisoners in Nazi prisons in 1944

Page from 1944 report by Polish Underground State detailing Nazi atrocities in Pawiak prison Warsaw

Page from the 1944 Polish Underground State report detailing Nazi atrocities in Pawiak prison Warsaw during German occupation

Ruins of Pawiak prison in Warsaw, Poland

Ruins of Pawiak prison in Warsaw destroyed in 1945

Gateway of the ruins of Pawiak prison in Warsaw after being blown up in August 1944

Ruins of Pawiak prison cells in Warsaw with entrance doors featuring peepholes

Ruins of Pawiak prison after the war in Warsaw surrounded by ruins of the former ghetto

Cross above a makeshift altar at Pawiak prison ruins with window bars visible in the center in Warsaw

Secret list smuggled from Pawiak prison in Warsaw by the Polish female guard Janina Gruszkowa (member of the resistance movement). It contains some of the names of Polish political prisoners which were executed in the Palmiry forest by the Nazi-German occupants (between 20 and 21 June 1940).

Pawiak Prison viewed from Dzielna Street before 1939

Historic Pawiak Prison in Warsaw, Poland, as it appeared in 1864

Exterior view of Więzienie kobiece Serbia women's prison in Warsaw, Poland

Historical Overview

Origins and Architectural Design (1830–1839)

Commissioned during Warsaw’s period under Russian rule, Pawiak Prison was designed by Italian-Polish architect Enrico (Henryk) Marconi, with support from Fryderyk Florian Skarbek. Construction began in 1830 and concluded by 1835, with the complex strategically situated between Pawia and Dzielna streets in a neighborhood with a significant Polish-Jewish population. The original design featured four tiers, with secure corridors, heavy doors, and strict surveillance measures. The prison initially held 428 male inmates in austere conditions, reflecting contemporary penal philosophies (war-documentary.info; holocausthistoricalsociety.org.uk; Wikipedia).

World War II and the Nazi Occupation

Pawiak’s most infamous chapter began during the German occupation (1939–1944), when it became the main Gestapo prison in Warsaw. Over 100,000 people were detained here, with roughly 37,000 dying inside or being executed, and an additional 60,000 deported to concentration camps (AB Poland Travel). The prison became a symbol of Polish resistance and Jewish suffering, as many prisoners came from the nearby Warsaw Ghetto.

Postwar Memorialization

After its destruction by the Nazis in 1944, the remaining gate and basement structures were preserved. The museum was established in 1965, with reconstructed cells and evocative exhibitions dedicated to the memory of those imprisoned and murdered at Pawiak (Warsaw Tourism Organization).

Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Location

Opening Hours

Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
Free admission on Thursdays
Last admission: 30 minutes before closing

Always verify current hours on the official museum website as schedules may change due to holidays or special events.

Ticket Prices

Standard adult: 20 PLN
Concessions (students, seniors): 10 PLN
Children under 7: Free
Joint ticket: Access to Pawiak Prison Museum, Mausoleum of Struggle & Martyrdom, and Museum of the X Pavilion of the Warsaw Citadel within seven days
Tickets available: On-site and online via the official website
(Lonely Planet)

Location and Access

Address: 24/26 Dzielna Street, 01-008 Warsaw
Nearest metro: Ratusz Arsenał (Line M1), ~10-minute walk
Tram lines: 10, 17, 33 stop nearby
Buses: Multiple lines serve Al. Jana Pawła II and Dzielna Street
Parking: Limited street parking available

The museum’s central location makes it convenient to combine with other historical sites in Warsaw (ITS Poland).

Museum Layout and Exhibits

Indoor Exhibitions

Reconstructed Cells: Five cells, including quarantine and death cells, recreated based on historical records and prisoner accounts.
Corridors and Casemates: Original prison corridors and underground spaces, providing a chilling sense of authenticity.
Artifacts: Personal belongings, documents, letters, diary fragments, and handmade items crafted by prisoners.
Artistic Testimonies: Works by survivors like Maja Berezowska, a renowned artist imprisoned at Pawiak (ekompas.pl).
Photographic Displays: Images documenting the faces and stories of inmates and the broader context of Nazi repression.

Outdoor Memorials

Pawiak Tree Memorial: A bronze replica of the original elm where families left messages and tributes. Plaques bear the names of victims (warszawa.wyborcza.pl).
Original Prison Gateway: Remnants of the gate and barbed wire, with three accessible original detention cells.
Memorial Wall: Inscribed with epitaphs and symbolic sculptures (ITS Poland).

Visitor Experience

Duration and Atmosphere

A typical visit lasts 1 to 1.5 hours, though deeper exploration or guided tours may extend your stay. The museum fosters a somber and contemplative atmosphere—appropriate for the site’s significance (WhichMuseum).

Languages and Accessibility

Exhibits: Polish, English, and German
Guided Tours: Available in English and other languages for groups, by prior arrangement (In Your Pocket)
Accessibility: Some underground areas may be challenging for those with limited mobility; contact the museum in advance for assistance.

Photography

Non-flash photography is allowed in most areas. Please be discreet and respect the solemnity, especially in memorial spaces.

Age Appropriateness

While open to all, the museum’s graphic and emotionally intense content is best suited for adults and older teens. Parental discretion is advised for younger children.

Etiquette and Responsible Tourism

Pawiak is a site of remembrance. Visitors are expected to speak quietly, dress appropriately, and refrain from disruptive behavior. Moments of silence are customary at the memorial tree and wall.

Special Events and Educational Programs

The museum hosts commemorations, educational workshops, lectures, and temporary exhibitions, especially on national remembrance days. Check the museum website for schedules and details.

Nearby Historical Sites

Enhance your understanding of Warsaw’s wartime history by visiting:

POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews: Just 0.23 miles away, exploring Jewish heritage (WhichMuseum).
Ghetto Heroes Monument: Memorializing the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
Umschlagplatz: Site of deportations to Treblinka, 0.42 miles away.
Warsaw Uprising Museum: Focused on the 1944 uprising.
Palmiry Museum and Cemetery: Execution grounds for many Pawiak prisoners (ekompas.pl).

Notable Prisoners and Personal Stories

The museum highlights the stories of:

Stefan Bronisław Starzyński: Warsaw’s mayor, executed by the Gestapo.
Stanisław Moniuszko (descendant of the composer): Killed during Nazi occupation.
Maja Berezowska: Artist and survivor, whose works are exhibited (ekompas.pl).

These stories emphasize both the tragedy and resilience found within Pawiak’s walls.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Weather: Indoor museums with outdoor memorial areas; dress accordingly.
Amenities: Restrooms and a small bookshop are available; no café on site.
Souvenirs: Books and small commemorative items are available at the reception.
Emotional Preparedness: Prepare for a moving and potentially intense experience; allow time for reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Pawiak Prison Museum’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday 10 AM–5 PM, Wednesday 11 AM–7 PM, Thursday–Sunday 10 AM–5 PM, closed Mondays. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Adult: 20 PLN; concessions: 10 PLN; free on Thursdays.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, for groups by arrangement. Book in advance via email or phone.

Q: Is the museum suitable for children?
A: The content is intense; recommended for older teens and adults.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Some areas are challenging for visitors with limited mobility. Contact the museum for assistance.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, non-flash photography is permitted; be discreet.

Q: How do I book tickets or tours?
A: Purchase tickets on-site or book group tours via email or phone.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (+48 52) 511 95 10 (ITS Poland)

Conclusion and Recommendations

A visit to the Pawiak Prison Museum is a powerful journey into Warsaw’s past, illuminating stories of suffering, resistance, and remembrance. With thoughtfully curated exhibits, accessible visitor services, and a central city location, the museum offers a meaningful experience for all who wish to understand Poland’s wartime history. Respectful conduct and emotional awareness are essential for engaging with this living memorial.

To enrich your visit, consider exploring nearby historical sites and making use of available audio guides or booking a guided tour. For more information and updates, always consult the official museum website and trusted travel resources.