Main Town Hall

Overview

The Main Town Hall (Ratusz Głównego Miasta) is a Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece standing at the heart of Gdańsk's Long Market. Built between 1379 and 1492, and crowned with a gilded statue of King Sigismund II Augustus, it houses the Museum of Gdańsk's permanent exhibition on the city's history from medieval Hanseatic glory through wartime destruction and post-war reconstruction.

Highlights

• Astronomical Clock Room: A richly decorated 16th-century council chamber with a functioning astronomical clock.
• Tower Views: Climb the 78-meter tower for panoramic views over the Main Town rooftops.
• Red Room: An opulent Renaissance hall featuring elaborate wood carvings and allegorical paintings.

History

Originally a Gothic structure, the town hall was extensively remodeled in Renaissance style by Antonis van Opbergen in the 1560s. Severely damaged in 1945, it was painstakingly rebuilt using salvaged original fragments.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Buy a combined ticket covering the Artus Court and Uphagen House for savings.
• Tip 2: Visit on Tuesdays when the main exhibition is free.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.