Dohna Palace in Morąg (Museum of Upper Prussia)

Dohna Palace in Morąg (MOH-rong, the "ą" is a nasal vowel) is a Renaissance and baroque residence of the Dohna noble family, built in the 16th century, and since 2025 it has housed the Museum of Upper Prussia. The palace stands in the town centre, with a round corner tower, a green courtyard and two baroque gate pavilions. Inside you can see several exhibitions, from ancient burial mounds to 17th-century Dutch portraits. It is a good half-day stop if you are touring the Iława Lakeland or the area around Ostróda and Olsztyn.

Where it is

Morąg, known in German as Mohrungen, is a small town in Warmia-Masuria, about 46 km north-west of Olsztyn and about 28 km north of Ostróda. The nearest large airport is Gdańsk, roughly two hours by car (approximate). "Upper Prussia" refers to one of the three historical regions of former Prussia that now lie in Poland, between the lower Vistula and the Pasłęka river.

A short history

The Dohna family castle-residence was built in 1562-1571, using a corner of the town walls (some sources give 1595). After a town fire in 1697 it was rebuilt in 1717-1719 in the baroque style by Johann Caspar Hindersin. The gate was added in 1731, and the baroque sundials in the courtyard date from 1741. The palace was heavily damaged in 1945 and rebuilt in 1975-1985. From 1986 it was a branch of the Museum of Warmia and Masuria. In 1990 the German president Richard von Weizsäcker visited.

Since 1 December 2024 the museum has been called the Museum of Upper Prussia, and it reopened on 14 March 2025 after a thorough renovation. It was formerly linked to Johann Gottfried Herder, who was born in Morąg.

What to see

According to the Ministry of Culture the museum presents seven exhibitions. They include:

• Cultural landscape of Upper Prussia: burial mounds and Space of Morąg and its surroundings,
• History of the Dohna Palace, about the noble residence,
• Lutheran epitaphs and memorial portraits,
• A 17th-century Dutch portrait from the Dohna gallery,
• Souvenirs from Prussian manors,
• Sculptures by Adolfo Wildt from Franz Rose's collection from Dylewo.

Add a stroll around the courtyard with its sundials and a walk around the palace. Plan 1.5-2 hours for the exhibitions.

Who it suits

The palace appeals to fans of Prussian history, art and architecture. There is a family ticket, and lessons and workshops for schools. Accessibility for visitors with disabilities was not confirmed on the official site, so ask the museum. We could not confirm English labels or guides; guided tours in Polish are available on request.

Practical information (as of October 2026)

In the winter season, from 1 October to 31 May, the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-16:00, the ticket office closes at 15:30, and Mondays are closed. In summer, 1 June to 30 September, opening hours are 10:00-17:00. A full ticket costs 28 PLN, reduced 16 PLN, family 58 PLN (two adults and one child) or 72 PLN (larger families). On Tuesdays the permanent exhibitions are free, and temporary exhibitions cost 12 PLN. Holders of the Large Family Card pay half. A Polish-language guide costs 100 PLN for a group of up to 10 and 140 PLN for a larger one, booked a week in advance. Address: ul. Dąbrowskiego 54, 14-300 Morąg, phone +48 89 757 28 48, email morag@muzeum.olsztyn.pl.

Getting there

Driving is easiest. We found no information about parking at the palace on the official site.

Nearby

Ostróda with its Teutonic castle is close, and the Elbląg Canal with its inclines is within day-trip range.