Museums

Claaszen Villa in Sopot

At the corner of Poniatowskiego street and al. Wojska Polskiego in Sopot stands the Claaszen Villa — a listed residence from the early 20th century that has housed the Museum of Sopot since 2001. Built right by the beach, one of the three most distinctive villas of the resort, it also carries the post-war nickname "bierutówka".

History of the residence

The plot on the then Parkstrasse was bought in 1902 by Ernst August Claaszen (1851–1924) — a Gdańsk merchant and sugar exporter, insurance broker, American consul and art collector. The villa was erected in 1903–1904 to a design by the Gdańsk master builder Walter Schulz. Its romantic stylisation, irregular mass, high roofs, turrets with tin spires and bay windows make it a small palace. The Claaszen family lived here until 1928; afterwards the house belonged to the Meltzners, owners of an iron foundry in Gdańsk.

Prominent residents

From September 1945 to October 1947 Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski, the government delegate for the reconstruction of the coast, lived here with his family. Later, when the villa was taken over by the Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Józef Cyrankiewicz and the actress Nina Andrycz spent summer holidays here.

The museum

In 1982 the house became city property, and in 2001 the Museum of Sopot opened inside. On the ground floor you will see reconstructed residence interiors with a collection of Gdańsk Baroque furniture, Gdańsk Baroque engravings, English prints from around 1800 and Delft faience; temporary exhibitions are held upstairs. The museum is open all year round except Mondays, and admission is free on Sundays.

Claaszen Villa in Sopot

History of the residence

Prominent residents

The museum

What to see

Place map

Recommended tours and tickets

Places to stay nearby

Sources and further reading

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Claaszen Villa in Sopot

About this place

History of the residence

Prominent residents

The museum

What to see

Place map

Recommended tours and tickets

Places to stay nearby

Sources and further reading

Nearby attractions