On 17 May 2025, Poznań will transform into a vibrant cultural hub as it hosts Noc Muzeów 2025. This annual event offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich artistic and historical heritage through a series of special exhibitions, performances, and interactive experiences.
What is Noc Muzeów?
Originating in Berlin in 1997, the concept of “Museum Night” has spread across Europe, allowing visitors to explore museums and cultural institutions after hours, often free of charge. In Poznań, Noc Muzeów has become a beloved tradition, drawing thousands of residents and tourists alike to experience the city’s cultural offerings in a new light.
This year, over 80 institutions are participating, offering nearly 200 events—a record for the city.
Even those who rarely visit museums are tempted to come and see the exhibitions they usually skip. For me, it’s a very democratic and intergenerational event. The youngest can come before their bedtime, and adults stay out until late.
said Małgorzata Kempa from Estrada Poznańska.
Practical Information
Get ready for Noc Muzeów 2025!
- Date: Saturday, 17 May 2025
- Time: Events begin at 17:00 and continue into the early hours.
- Admission: Most events are free or have a symbolic fee.
- Transportation: Poznań’s public transport will operate extended hours to accommodate attendees.
Highlights of Noc Muzeów 2025
This year’s Noc Muzeów 2025 in Poznań offers an eclectic mix of experiences, with over 80 institutions opening their doors into the night. From national galleries and historic castles to university libraries, it’s a celebration of culture in all its forms. Visitors can explore exhibitions, join workshops, or enjoy performances and concerts in diverse settings. Highlights range from Chełmoński’s paintings and 90s pop culture to book displays and archaeological reconstructions. Whether it’s fashion shows, retro tech, classical music, or medieval battles—there’s something for every curiosity and age.
Here are our favourite venues that take part in Noc Muzeów 2025:
- Muzeum Bambrów Poznańskich: A tribute to the 18th-century German settlers who shaped Poznań’s culture. During Noc Muzeów, visitors can enjoy storytelling in traditional Bamberg costumes and take part in workshops on regional culinary heritage.
- Muzeum Pyry (Potato Museum): This playful museum explores the history of Poland’s favourite tuber. Special for the night are creative potato-themed art installations and live cooking demonstrations of traditional potato dishes.
- Schron Prezydenta Poznania (Mayor’s Bunker): A Cold War-era fallout shelter hidden beneath a villa. Noc Muzeów includes guided underground tours and a rare look at vintage civil defence materials and Cold War survival plans.
- Muzeum Rogala Świętomarcińskiego (St. Martin’s Croissant Museum): A tasty tribute to Poznań’s most iconic pastry. Guests can witness the art of croissant-making live and hear quirky legends tied to this sweet symbol of the city.
- Muzeum Czekolady (Chocolate Museum): For chocolate lovers, this museum blends history and indulgence. Visitors can take part in hands-on chocolate workshops and browse exhibits tracing the evolution of chocolate-making in Poland.
- Muzeum Iluzji (Museum of Illusions): A family-friendly venue filled with optical illusions and interactive puzzles. During Noc Muzeów, there’ll be special illusion performances and unique photo ops in trick-eye exhibits.
- Muzeum Uzbrojenia (Armament Museum): Located within Citadel Park, this museum showcases historic military equipment. The night’s highlights include a parade of vintage military vehicles and engaging talks on Poland’s armament history.
- Muzeum Literackie Henryka Sienkiewicza: Dedicated to the Nobel Prize-winning author, this museum offers a quiet literary escape. Special programming features live readings from lesser-known works and a temporary exhibit of Sienkiewicz’s personal artefacts.
- Muzeum Przyrodniczo-Łowieckie (Natural and Hunting Museum): Tucked away on the city’s outskirts, this museum explores local wildlife and traditional hunting. Noc Muzeów features hands-on workshops on nature tracking and curated wildlife displays.
- Muzeum Armii Poznań (Poznań Army Museum): A niche military museum chronicling the story of the Poznań Army. Visitors can engage with interactive battle simulations and learn about the region’s defence history through personal stories and artefacts.
Curated Itineraries for Noc Muzeów 2025
For Culture Enthusiasts & History Buffs
- 17:00 – Muzeum Narodowe w Poznaniu: Begin with Chełmoński’s exhibition, featuring landscape masterpieces and live folk music from rural archives.
- 18:45 – Ratusz (Museum of the History of Poznań): Wander through Renaissance cellars and listen to guided storytelling in atmospheric historical halls.
- 20:00 – Centrum Szyfrów Enigma: Engage with interactive displays on wartime code-breaking, including Alan Turing’s legacy in Poznań.
- 21:30 – Muzeum Archeologiczne + Rezerwat Genius Loci: Step back to the Middle Ages with historical reenactments, medieval crafts, and lectures on Bolesław Chrobry.
- 23:00 – A short tram to Biblioteka Uniwersytecka: Unwind with Grimm-themed exhibitions, old reading rooms, and fairy tale lectures.
For Families with Children
- 17:00 – Biblioteka Uniwersytecka: Enjoy storytime and a magical exhibition of original Grimm books, plus a fairytale book market.
- 18:30 – Centrum Kultury Zamek: Step into the 90s with comic books, vintage toys, music videos, and hands-on retro games.
- 20:00 – Polski Teatr Tańca: Join a family-friendly interactive game: solve riddles, explore backstage, and end with sweet surprises.
- 21:30 – Muzeum Unitry (nearby): Let kids play with old-school electronics and gaming consoles in a safe, nostalgic environment.
- 22:30 – Tram back home or an optional visit to the courtyard of the former Komitet Wojewódzki: Admire a dazzling display of vintage PRL-era cars.
We’re preparing separate routes for children, adults, and families. We’ll solve puzzles throughout the theatre, ending with small gifts and a performance of Republika Marzeń.
said Monika Zembicka from Polski Teatr Tańca.
For Science & Innovation Lovers
- 17:00 – Centrum Szyfrów Enigma: Dive into the secrets of encryption and wartime technology in an award-winning interactive space.
- 18:45 – Muzeum Uniwersytetu Medycznego: Learn about Poznań’s medical innovations, past and present, with hands-on exhibits and anatomy showcases.
- 20:00 – Uniwersytet Artystyczny w Poznaniu: Explore a blend of art and tech: VR exhibitions, live fashion tech performances, and silkscreen workshops.
- 21:30 – Rezerwat Archeologiczny Genius Loci: Explore archaeological science in action with metalworking, coin-making, and medieval tech.
- 23:00 – Galeria Śluza or Brama Poznania: Both offer science-infused, visually striking exhibits about the development of urban Poznań.
For Live Music Lovers
- 17:00 – Muzeum Narodowe w Poznaniu: Ease into the evening with traditional Polish folk music performances accompanying the Chełmoński exhibit.
- 18:30 – Dziedziniec Zamku Królewskiego: Catch an outdoor concert from young jazz or classical performers in a regal setting.
- 20:00 – Uniwersytet Artystyczny or Centrum Kultury Zamek: Choose between experimental electronic sets or 90s-themed DJ performances.
- 22:00 – Akademia Muzyczna (Aula Nova): Take your seat for Pieśni Nocy – a sublime late-night concert with pieces by Chopin, Liszt, and more, accompanied by readings and intimate narration.
- 00:00+ – Open courtyards at CK Zamek or Polish Theatre: Unplanned pop-ups and spontaneous jams often happen in the final hours—don’t rush home!
We are focusing on Józef Chełmoński’s exhibition. There will be activities for children and three folk concerts, plus a new Polish Art Gallery installation and stories about nocturnes and Chełmoński’s work.
explained Katarzyna Grabowska of the National Museum.
Embrace the Night
Noc Muzeów 2025 promises an unforgettable evening filled with art, history, and community spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, this event offers a unique opportunity to experience Poznań’s cultural landscape in a new and exciting way.
