BHP Hall of the Gdańsk Shipyard

The BHP Hall of the Gdańsk Shipyard (Sala BHP, pronounced "SAH-lah beh-hah-PEH") is a modest brick building inside the former shipyard where, on August 31, 1980, striking workers and the communist government signed the August Agreements – the deal that gave birth to Solidarity, the first independent trade union in the Soviet bloc. It is one of the key places in 20th-century European history, and the room still looks much as it did then. It is a must for anyone exploring Gdańsk's Solidarity heritage.

Where it is

The hall stands about 15 minutes' walk north of Gdańsk Główny train station, next to the European Solidarity Centre and the famous Gate No. 2. Gdańsk Airport (GDN) is about 15 km away; Warsaw is roughly three hours by express train.

A short history

The building dates from the rebuilding of the Prussian Imperial Shipyard, with its present form conventionally dated to 1902; historians note it once served as a torpedo store. After World War II it became the occupational health and safety (BHP) training hall of the Lenin Shipyard, a name used since 1961.

During the strike of August 1980 it housed the Inter-Factory Strike Committee, which drew up 21 demands on behalf of workplaces across the coast. Negotiations with the government delegation were broadcast over loudspeakers to the crowds outside. On August 31, Lech Wałęsa and Deputy Prime Minister Mieczysław Jagielski signed the agreement here. The building was listed as a historic monument in 1999. Together with Gate No. 2, Solidarity Square and the European Solidarity Centre, it forms the Historic Gdańsk Shipyard site, which holds the European Heritage Label.

What to see

• The negotiation hall, with its long table, a replica of the 1980 cross and copies of the boards listing the 21 demands
• Dioramas with light effects, including the moment the agreements were announced in the shipyard
• About 20 ship models at 1:100 scale built by the yard, plus a model of the "Gdańsk 1" marine engine

A visit takes 30–45 minutes. Guided tours can be booked through the hall.

Opening hours and admission (as of October 2026)

According to the official website, the hall is open daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m. from October to May, and from June to September Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Friday–Sunday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. The English page lists 10 a.m.–7 p.m. for the off-season, so call ahead (+48 58 337 60 42) if you plan a late visit. No price list is published; entry has traditionally been free. The hall is looked after by the Solidarity trade union's foundation; in 2019 it briefly belonged to the National Maritime Museum before being returned to the union.

Is it worth visiting?

Absolutely, if you are interested in the fall of communism. Combine it with the European Solidarity Centre's museum for the full story; the hall itself gives you the authentic setting.

Getting there

Address: ul. ks. Jerzego Popiełuszki 6. The nearest SKM commuter rail stop is Gdańsk Stocznia. Drivers can use the paid parking at the European Solidarity Centre.

Nearby

• European Solidarity Centre, about 200 m away
• Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970 and Gate No. 2
• Main Town, about 20 minutes on foot