Hevelianum Science Center

Hevelianum (pronounced "heh-veh-LYAH-noom") is a hands-on science center in Gdańsk, set inside 19th-century fort buildings on Gradowa Hill (Góra Gradowa), just a short walk from the main train station. With interactive exhibitions on energy, geography and math, workshops for young children and old ramparts overlooking the Main Town, it is one of the best things to do in Gdańsk with kids. It is named after Johannes Hevelius, the 17th-century Gdańsk astronomer.

Where it is

The center stands on a hill directly above Gdańsk Główny station, about 10 minutes on foot from the platforms and 15–20 minutes from Long Market. Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) is about 15 km away; Warsaw is roughly three hours by express train.

What it is

The institution was founded on July 18, 2008, as Centrum Hewelianum and adopted its current name in 2018. It occupies the restored buildings of the former Gradowa Hill fort; a renovated artillery carriage house with a restaurant and conference center opened in 2018. Hevelianum combines science popularization with the history of Gdańsk and its military architecture. It also runs a second site, the Spa House (Dom Zdrojowy) in the seaside district of Brzeźno.

Who was Hevelius?

Johannes Hevelius (1611–1687) was a Gdańsk brewer, city councillor and one of the leading astronomers of his age. He built an observatory on the roofs of his houses, published detailed maps of the Moon (Selenographia, 1647) and compiled a star catalog.

The interactive exhibitions

Individual visitors usually buy the Interactive Exhibitions Package, which covers three exhibitions:

• "Around the World": a journey across seven continents, designed for children
• "With Energy!": energy sources and hands-on experiment stations
• "Puzzle": logic and math challenges

There is also a creative workshop space for children aged 3 to 9.

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

The website lists Monday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., closed Sundays. However, the event calendar also shows other session times and some Sunday dates, and the list of closure days still refers to 2025, so book a time slot in the online ticket shop (bilety.hevelianum.pl) before you go.

Interactive Exhibitions Package prices, in Polish złoty (PLN): regular 30, reduced 25, family 80 (up to three people, at least one child). Ticket holders get 10% off at the on-site Gradova restaurant (excluding alcohol).

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you are traveling with children aged roughly 5–14, or need a rainy-day plan near the station. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the exhibitions and another 30–60 minutes to walk the ramparts up to the Millennium Cross viewpoint.

Getting there and parking

Address: ul. Gradowa 6. From Gdańsk Główny it is about a 10-minute walk, the last stretch uphill and partly on steps. There is paid parking at the building: 8 PLN for 60 minutes, 24 PLN for 8 hours. With a stroller, it is easier to approach via the road to the parking lot than via the stairs.

Nearby

• Gradowa Hill and the Millennium Cross viewpoint
• Amber Museum in the Great Mill, near the station
• European Solidarity Centre, about 15 minutes on foot