Located behind the Wyżyna Gate in Gdańsk lies the unique Barbican complex. The two Gothic buildings, which once served to defend the city, made up the headquarters of the Penitentiary Museum between 1983-2006. In June 2006, the Penitentiary Museum was converted into the Amber Museum, which presents permanent and temporary exhibitions devoted to the art of amber craftsmanship.
The buildings housing the Jailing Museum were constructed in the Middle Ages as a part of the town's defence system. Having been redesigned in the Renaissance style in 1587-60, they were turned into a prison and execution grounds.
The Museum, started in 1983, collects all objects, both old and new, which are associated with the original function of the buildings. These include weapons of the city guards, firearms, tools used by the criminals and those used to punish them by torture or death, weapons and equipment used by the police, including police uniforms from various countries, crime-detection equipment, court evidence as well as documents related to the history of law and administration.
Amber is a resource typically associated with Gdańsk as the Baltic sea has historically served as a treasurehouse for the world's amber trade. The museum acquires collections on a donation basis, by deposits and successive purchases. Collecting the exhibits works is possible through contacts with people in the art and crafts environment, private owners, through antique market penetration, museums and galleries. The museum collects objects of natural, historical and artistic significance.
Exhibitions show the history of amber craftsmanship from the earliest times to the present. Amber is presented in various aspects: geological, physical, chemical and natural. Visitors can see the layers of raw-material, its extraction, the history of trade routes, the tradition of amber, as a therapeutic medium, a magic stone, as well as a material used for research and artistry.
Amber Museum
Gateway Complex at Długa Street
Branch of the Gdańsk History Museum
Targ Węglowy 26, 80-836 Gdańsk
head supervisor: Joanna Grążawska
tel. (+48 58) 301 47 33
link*www.mhmg.gda.pl*http://www.mhmg.gda.pl****Opening hours:Tuesday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm free entrance; Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Prepared: March 2002, updated February 2011 by Roberto Galea.
Muzeum Bursztynu
Zespół Przedbramia ulicy Długiej
Oddział Muzeum Historycznego Miasta Gdańska
Targ Węglowy 26
80-836 Gdańsk
Region: pomorskie
Phone: (+48 58) 301 47 33
Phone/Fax: (+48 58) 326 21 53
WWW: www.mhmg.gda.pl
Email: bursztyn@mhmg.pl