European Solidarity Centre, Gdansk

The European Solidarity Centre (known as Europejskie Centrum Solidarności in Polish) is a museum and library dedicated to the history of Solidarity, a Polish trade union and civil resistance movement, as well as other opposition movements in Communist Eastern Europe.

The center is located in a modern, industrial-style building constructed in the 21st century. It's worth noting that finding the entrance to the center may be a bit challenging since it lacks clear signage. Since its opening in 2014, it has quickly become a must-visit attraction in the city. The building's design is reminiscent of the ship hulls constructed at the Gdańsk Shipyard.

The official opening ceremony occurred on August 31, 2014, coinciding with the anniversary of the signing of the Gdańsk Agreement. Lech Wałęsa, one of the co-founders of Solidarity and a later President of Poland, attended the ceremony.

The center recognizes and honors foreigners who played a role in supporting the Polish opposition to Communism by awarding them Medals of Gratitude. Its permanent collection boasts approximately 2,000 exhibits, and the library holds around 100,000 books and documents. In addition to being a museum and library, the center also serves as a hub for research and academic activities, hosts educational programs, and provides space for conferences and temporary exhibitions.