Uphagen House - A large wooden house with a brown roof and shutters, surrounded by a fence and gate.
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Uphagen House

4.3
·1k reviews·Gdańsk, Poland

Step into an 18th-century merchant's home, meticulously reconstructed to showcase Gdansk's past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate

CrowdLow
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Uphagen House - A large wooden house with a brown roof and shutters, surrounded by a fence and gate.

Uphagen House

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into an 18th-century merchant's home, meticulously reconstructed to showcase Gdansk's past.

4.3
(1k reviews)

"A unique glimpse into middle-class life, appreciated for its historical accuracy and intimate scale."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Quick Visit Potential

This house museum is compact; expect to spend under an hour. Perfect for a brief historical immersion.

🧐 Appreciate the Details

Focus on the reconstructed interiors and family history for a richer experience.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

18th-Century Merchant Interiors

18th-Century Merchant Interiors

Throughout the house

Step back in time to see how a wealthy Gdansk merchant lived. The reconstructed rooms offer a unique historical perspective.

Uphagen Family Tree

Uphagen Family Tree

Display area

Discover the history of the Uphagen family, who significantly shaped this merchant house. A fascinating genealogical insight.

Unique XVIIth Century Wardrobe

Unique XVIIth Century Wardrobe

Specific room

Marvel at an unusual wooden wardrobe from the 17th century, a testament to historical craftsmanship and design.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Quick Visit

Uphagen House is a smaller museum, often taking less than an hour to explore. If you're short on time or prefer a more intimate experience, aim for weekdays. Weekends can see a slight uptick in visitors, though lines are rarely an issue.

Manage Expectations for a Deeper Appreciation

While some visitors find Uphagen House 'underwhelming' compared to larger Gdansk museums, it offers a unique glimpse into 18th-century merchant life. Appreciating its reconstructed interiors and family history enhances the visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Still quiet, good for a quick stop
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting Gdansk

⏳ Quick Visit Potential

This house museum is compact; expect to spend under an hour. Perfect for a brief historical immersion. Reddit

🧐 Appreciate the Details

Focus on the reconstructed interiors and family history for a richer experience. Reddit

reddit.com

On a short trip, what to do in Trójmiasto?

🎟️ No Ticket Lines

Even on weekends, lines for tickets are uncommon, making entry smooth. Reddit

📍 Central Location

Conveniently located on St. Long Street, easy to combine with other Gdansk sights. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Quick Visit Potential

This house museum is compact; expect to spend under an hour. Perfect for a brief historical immersion. Reddit

🧐 Appreciate the Details

Focus on the reconstructed interiors and family history for a richer experience. Reddit

🎟️ No Ticket Lines

Even on weekends, lines for tickets are uncommon, making entry smooth. Reddit

📍 Central Location

Conveniently located on St. Long Street, easy to combine with other Gdansk sights. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Uphagen House offers a unique, albeit brief, glimpse into 18th-century Gdansk merchant life with its meticulously reconstructed interiors. While some visitors find it less grand than other city museums, its historical accuracy and intimate scale are appreciated by those seeking a specific historical perspective. The house is noted for its manageable size and lack of crowds, making it an easy addition to a Gdansk itinerary.

"Underwhelming. Skip it! Other Gdansk museums have fabulous stuff to see. Limited furnishings here. Took ten minutes to see. No narrative. Tiny little info cards. No wow factor unless you’ve never been in another “historic” house in your life. Visit the Town Hall. Visit the Artus Guildhall. Ogle amber. Not worth it compared to other places in Gdansk."

Cynthia in Chicago

"For the same price as other museum that I paid to visit, this seems a bit underwhelming.

I think this museum is targeted at specific groups of people and most of the tourists don't fall in this group.

Though it does have some unique displays in there although what you see mostly overlaps with other museums of similar nature."

Nevins Chan

"Well, it was interesting to see and visit this place because I heard a lot about it. Great idea has been realized here and I really appreciate it. Some rooms like dinning room and "staff room" look more attractive than others. Especially my applause for wallpapers with nature scenes and for Uphagen (or Ophagen) family tree history. Btw inside you could find several clocks from London and so unusual XVIIth century wooden wardrobe. But at the same time couple of rooms look "lonely" and haven't enough "equipment" (just from my perspective of view). Anyway let's see this one, even on weekend I didn't see any lines for tickets."

Valentin Balyakin

What People Like

Intimate historical setting
Reconstructed interiors
Manageable size

What People Dislike

Underwhelming for some
Limited furnishings
Lacks wow factor

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Uphagen House is centrally located on St. Long Street (Ulica Długa) in Gdansk's Old Town. It's easily accessible on foot from most major attractions in the area, including the Town Hall and Artus Court. Public transport options are also available nearby, with several tram and bus stops within a short walking distance.

Yes, Uphagen House is ideally situated in the heart of Gdansk's historic center. It's a short walk from the Town Hall Museum, Artus Court, and the Neptune Fountain, making it easy to incorporate into a day of sightseeing. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's always best to check the official Historical Museum of Gdansk website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any potential closures before your visit.

Admission prices are generally comparable to other museums in Gdansk. While specific prices can change, visitors have noted it's reasonably priced for the experience. Checking the official museum website is recommended for current ticket costs. Reddit

Advance booking is typically not required for Uphagen House. Visitors often report being able to purchase tickets upon arrival without significant waiting times, even on weekends. Reddit

Information regarding accessibility for visitors with disabilities, such as wheelchair access or facilities, is best confirmed directly with the museum. Due to its historic nature, some older buildings may have limitations.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors find that a tour of Uphagen House takes approximately 30-60 minutes. It's a relatively small museum, perfect for a quick but insightful historical stop. Reddit

Inside, you'll find reconstructed 18th-century merchant interiors, including dining rooms and living spaces. There are also displays on the Uphagen family history, unique antique furniture, and clocks. Reddit

Visitor opinions vary. Some find it less impactful than larger museums, while others appreciate its unique focus on middle-class merchant life and historical reconstruction. It offers a different perspective on Gdansk's past. Reddit

Information on guided tours, including language options and schedules, should be sought directly from the Historical Museum of Gdansk. Self-guided exploration is also common.

Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check for signage within the museum or inquire at the ticket desk regarding rules on taking pictures, especially without flash.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Uphagen House itself does not typically have a cafe or restaurant. However, its central location in Gdansk's Old Town means there are numerous dining options, from traditional Polish eateries to international cuisine, just steps away. Reddit

The streets surrounding Uphagen House are filled with restaurants and milk bars (bar mleczny) offering authentic Polish dishes. Look for places serving pierogi, żurek, and other regional specialties for a delicious and local experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The reconstructed interiors, particularly the dining room and rooms with nature-themed wallpapers, offer unique photographic opportunities. The exterior, especially the rear view showing its original length, is also interesting. Reddit

Flash photography is generally discouraged or prohibited in historical interiors to protect delicate furnishings and artworks. Always check for signs or ask staff before using flash. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Uphagen House can be a quick and engaging stop for families. Its manageable size means children won't get bored from a lengthy visit. The reconstructed rooms offer a visual storybook of how people lived long ago, and the unique antique items like clocks and wardrobes can spark curiosity. Reddit

While there aren't specific interactive exhibits for children, the visual aspect of the house is its main draw. Parents can use the visit to talk about history in a tangible way. It's a good option for a brief educational experience that complements other Gdansk attractions. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Uphagen House offers good value. The admission price is generally reasonable, and as noted by visitors, ticket lines are rare, saving you time and potential hassle. Reddit

Its central location also means you can easily walk to it, saving on transportation costs. Combine it with free exploration of Gdansk's Old Town for a cost-effective day of sightseeing. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will appreciate Uphagen House for its detailed reconstruction and focus on 18th-century merchant life. The house provides a specific, intimate look at domestic architecture and the lifestyle of Gdansk's prosperous citizens. Reddit

The history of its reconstruction after WWII adds another layer of significance. For those interested in social history, urban development, and the preservation of heritage, Uphagen House offers valuable insights that might be overlooked in larger, more general museums. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Reconstruction of Uphagen House

Uphagen House stands as a testament to Gdansk's resilience. Originally built in the 18th century by merchant Johann Uphagen, the house was meticulously reconstructed after suffering significant damage during World War II. The museum, which first opened in 1911, was re-established in 1998, preserving the spirit and design of the original merchant dwelling. This reconstruction effort allows visitors to experience a remarkably intact example of a middle-class apartment house from that era. Reddit

The house's survival and subsequent reconstruction are crucial to understanding its value. While some visitors might compare it to larger, more opulent palaces, Uphagen House offers a more intimate and specific look at the daily lives of Gdansk's prosperous burghers. The attention to detail in recreating the interiors, from the wallpapers to the furniture, provides a tangible connection to the past. Reddit

Visitors can explore various rooms, including the dining room and 'staff room,' which are often highlighted as particularly attractive. The presence of unique items like clocks from London and a 17th-century wooden wardrobe adds to the historical richness. Despite some rooms appearing 'lonely' to certain viewers, the overall narrative of preservation and historical accuracy is compelling. Reddit

A Glimpse into 18th-Century Merchant Life

Uphagen House offers a unique window into the domestic life of an 18th-century Gdansk merchant. Johann Uphagen, the house's most notable owner, was not only a successful merchant but also an amateur historian and bibliophile, suggesting a cultured household. The reconstructed interiors aim to reflect the lifestyle and tastes of such a family during that period. Reddit

Visitors can observe the layout of the house, designed for both living and potentially conducting business. The 'staff room' provides insight into the domestic help that would have been part of such a household. The decorative elements, such as the wallpapers featuring nature scenes, speak to the aesthetic preferences of the time and the owner's appreciation for art and nature. Reddit

Beyond the furnishings, the house also tells the story of the Uphagen family itself, with displays like the family tree offering a genealogical perspective. The presence of antique clocks, some originating from London, hints at the family's trade connections and their access to goods from afar. This focus on personal history and domestic detail distinguishes Uphagen House from more general historical museums. Reddit

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