An architectural ‘Ahoy’ from Gdynia. A Czech stroll along the trail of modernism
22.05.2026
Journalists from the Czech Republic had the opportunity to visit the ‘Bankowiec’ Mini Museum
Modernist architecture, unique interior details and the city’s history in a nutshell. Gdynia has once again attracted visitors from abroad. This time, the city welcomed journalists from the Czech magazine ‘Architect+’, who explored Gdynia’s modernism through its architecture, history and people with a passion for the city. The reason for the journalists’ visit was Gdynia’s architecture, the city’s candidacy for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the celebrations marking the city’s centenary.
The visitors from the Czech Republic were shown round by Joanna Leman, Head of the International Cooperation Department, and Robert Hirsch, Municipal Conservator of Monuments. The tour began with a presentation on the founding of Gdynia at the Centre for Modernism, followed by a tour of the exhibition of architectural details.
We then showed the architects the railway station, and its decorative features – including the mosaics – made a great impression on them. They were particularly impressed by the historic swing doors with their self-closing mechanism, which they captured on film. They toured the interiors of the District Court and a special exhibition showcasing, amongst other things, the historic décor, with great interest. They saw for themselves just how ergonomic and still functional the pre-war benches for visitors are. I outlined the long-standing collaboration between the City of Gdynia and the court in the restoration of the building, emphasised Robert Hirsch, the Municipal Conservator of Monuments.
The Czech visitors were shown the complex of modernist market halls, as well as the Swedish Sailor’s House, which has been converted into the Consulate of Culture.
They were particularly interested in the City of Gdynia’s initiative, under which this historic building, amongst others, was purchased by exercising the right of first refusal, adds Hirsch.
The visitors were then shown a selection of modernist apartment houses.
During the walk, the group were shown not only aspects relating to the design features of modernist buildings, but also architectural details and original fittings. The next item on the programme was a meeting with Mirosław Studniak, an enthusiast of Gdynia’s modernism, who spoke about the conservation of original interior fittings, explains Joanna Leman, Head of the International Cooperation Department.
The architects were greatly impressed by the ‘Bankowiec’ Mini Museum and Maria Piradoff-Link’s account.
Let me put it this way. Running a museum, I have a great deal of experience in telling whether someone is interested in the history, the origins of this place, its development and its growing collections. I can simply tell by the look in their eyes. In the eyes of the Czech journalist, who understood Polish perfectly, I saw incredible curiosity and inquisitiveness; he listened to everything attentively and translated it on the spot for the Czech cameraman, who was equally delighted. They were particularly impressed by the fact that the Mini Museum is a grassroots initiative by enthusiasts of Gdynia and modernism. So, the visit was a great success, says Maria Piradoff-Link, curator of the Mini Museum.
To round off the visit, the guests went to the Emigration Museum, where they learnt about the history of Polish emigration and Gdynia’s role as an important port and a place of symbolic significance for many generations of Poles.
One of the editors mentioned that he had been to Gdynia about 20 years ago, but today the city is unrecognisable – concludes Robert Hirsch.
An article about Gdynia is due to appear in one of the magazine’s issues.