Uphagen’s House is a reconstructed 18th-century Gdańsk merchant residence at Długa 12 in the Main Town (Główne Miasto), Gdańsk, Poland. It interprets the home of Johann Uphagen, a wealthy merchant, city official, bibliophile and historian who bought the building in 1775. Destroyed during World War II and painstakingly rebuilt, the house lets visitors move through furnished bourgeois interiors and understand how an affluent family lived on Gdańsk’s principal ceremonial street.
What to Expect at Uphagen’s House
The museum is arranged as a domestic sequence rather than a conventional gallery. Rooms evoke the late 18th-century household, from the entrance hall and reception spaces to the dining room, music room, bedroom, kitchen and servants’ quarters. Look closely at the preserved-and-recreated decorative language: painted and carved wall panelling, ornamental ceilings, tiled heating stoves, period furniture and small household objects. These rooms convey both the formality of merchant life and the practical work taking place behind it.
Johann Uphagen’s story gives the visit its focus. He was one of Gdańsk’s educated patrician residents and left a major record of the city’s past through his historical interests and library. The museum explains the social order of the old port city, where prosperous merchants lived, traded, entertained and employed household staff. Its setting on Długa, part of the Royal Route, also makes it an effective stop for reading the architecture of the Main Town beyond its celebrated façades.
- Johann Uphagen’s residence: Discover the home associated with the 18th-century merchant, councillor and historian.
- Period interiors: Follow the furnished hall, parlours, dining room, music room and private chambers.
- Kitchen and service areas: See how food preparation and domestic labour supported a patrician household.
- Decorative details: Examine tiled stoves, panelled walls, ceiling ornament, furniture, ceramics and glassware.
- Postwar reconstruction: Learn how this rare type of Gdańsk town house was recreated after the destruction of 1945.
Uphagen’s House at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Długa 12, 80-827 Gdańsk, Poland |
| Neighborhood / Area | Main Town (Główne Miasto), on Długa Street along the Royal Route |
| Operating Hours | Monday 12pm–6pm; Tuesday–Sunday 10am–6pm. Check the museum calendar for holiday or seasonal changes. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Paid admission. Current normal, reduced and any family ticket tariffs are published by the Museum of Gdańsk. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 75 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Brama Wyżynna tram and bus stop is about a 5-minute walk; paid parking is available around Targ Węglowy and at Forum Gdańsk. |
| Official Website / Phone | Museum of Gdańsk: Uphagen’s House / +48 58 573 31 28 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive near opening time or later in the afternoon for a calmer look at the smaller rooms, especially during the summer cruise and tour-group season. Individual visitors can generally purchase entry on arrival, while organised groups should contact the museum in advance. Confirm the day’s opening hours and ticket tariff on the official page before setting out, particularly around Polish public holidays. Allow more time if you enjoy interiors, decorative arts or reading the contextual displays.
Długa is a pedestrian street, so the simplest approach is to get off at Brama Wyżynna and walk through the historic centre; Gdańsk Główny railway station is roughly 10 minutes away on foot. Drivers should use a paid garage or public parking outside the pedestrian core rather than expect street access at the door. This is a historic multi-level town house with staircases and narrow period spaces; upper floors are not a straightforward wheelchair or stroller route. Ask staff before arrival about current step-free access and assistance. Within a 5–15 minute walk, pair the museum with the Main Town Hall, Artus Court and Neptune’s Fountain at Długi Targ, or walk toward Motława riverfront restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Uphagen’s House open, and what is the best time to go?
It is listed as open 12pm–6pm on Monday and 10am–6pm Tuesday through Sunday. Visit shortly after opening or later in the day for more space in the furnished rooms. Check the official museum page for holiday changes.
How much are tickets, and do I need a reservation?
Admission is paid, with current normal and reduced prices set by the Museum of Gdańsk. Individual visitors can check the current tariff and purchase details on the official Uphagen’s House page; groups should contact the museum ahead of time.
How long should I spend at Uphagen’s House?
Budget 45 to 75 minutes. A quicker circuit covers the principal rooms, while a full hour or more allows time to study the decorative interiors, service spaces and information about Johann Uphagen and postwar rebuilding.
Is Uphagen’s House suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families with older children interested in daily life and historic rooms will get the most from the visit. The building’s historic layout includes stairs and confined spaces, so wheelchair users and visitors with strollers should contact the museum in advance about accessible entry and which areas can be visited.
When planning your Gdansk travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Gdansk, pair this stop with standout local spots including St. Mary's Street, Historical Zone Free City Of Gdansk, Muzeum Bursztynu. Oddział Muzeum Gdańska, and Hotel Fama Residence (nearby).
