This is the museum with the brightest exhibits in Warsaw. But to truly see them, you have to visit it from the inside. Its interior is filled with the glow of over 100 neon signs, shining brighter than millions of coins. We invite you on a tour of a place whose aura might just dazzle you!
Neon Museum Warsaw – photos and description
We transport you to the world of neon signs – the colorful lights that, since the 1960s, have become a permanent fixture on the streets of the capital city of Poland. Their purpose was not only to attract potential customers but also to brighten the darkness of the People’s Republic of Poland and add color to the lives of the city’s residents. Warsaw’s shops, hotels, cinemas, train stations, restaurants, and bars lit up for good!
For many years, glowing signs gave the capital city a sense of modernity and uniqueness, creating a distinctive, metropolitan atmosphere after dark. However, with the arrival of the political transformation, changes also occurred in urban design. Public spaces gained a new character, and many neon signs were permanently dismantled or completely disposed of.
Fortunately, Ilona KarwiÅ„ska and David Hill decided to save the restored neon signs from being forgotten. In 2012, they founded this extraordinary museum. They collect, restore, and display signs that for some are relics of the past, while for others, they symbolize progress from a bygone era. These signs are not only souvenirs of a past epoch but also (slightly industrial) works of art and a chance for sentimental memories for the city’s older residents.
In the museum, you will find dozens of original neon signs that once adorned the facades of Warsaw’s buildings. Some of the most recognizable exhibits include “Berlin” from the East Railway Station, “Syrena,” “Sezam,” “SpoÅ‚em,” and “Bar SÅ‚oneczny.” Pay attention to the fact that each sign has its own unique design – the richness of colors, fonts, and styles is truly impressive!
The Neon Museum in Warsaw is essentially one large hall with a strongly industrial atmosphere that perfectly complements the exhibits on display. The neon signs and their detailed descriptions tell the story of the cold war era. And finally, you can get a close-up view of the neon tubes – which isn’t always possible, as they typically hang high above our heads. We especially recommend the Neon Museum to history enthusiasts, artistic souls, and Instagram spot hunters.
Neon Museum in Warsaw – tickets
Individual tour:
- Standard ticket: 18 PLN.
- Discounted ticket: 15 PLN.
- Children under 6 and disabled persons with an assistant: free admission.
Guided tour in English (for groups of at least 10 people) – 150 PLN (plus entrance ticket for each participant).
Neon Museum in Warsaw – opening hours
The Neon Museum in Warsaw is open 6 days a week:
- Monday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
- Tuesday: closed.
- Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Neon Museum in Warsaw – visiting time
- A quick visit took us just over 30 minutes.
- In 60 minutes, you should be able to see all the neon signs, read the interesting facts, take photos, and spend some time contemplating the exhibits.
- A guided tour lasts 45 minutes.
Neon Museum in Warsaw – how to get?
The Neon Museum is located at Soho Factory, Mińska 25, Warsaw.
- On foot / by bike. We traditionally encourage eco-friendly walking and biking tours – walking from the center of Warsaw takes just over an hour, but by bike, you can get there in less than 30 minutes.
- Metro. The closest station is M2 Stadion Narodowy, about a 25-minute walk.
- Bus. The nearest bus stops are: Żupnicza, Chodakowska, Bliska, Dworzec Wschodni (Lubelska), Mińska, Gocławska.
- Tram. The closest tram stop is Gocławska.
- Train. The Neon Museum is just under a 15-minute walk from Warsaw Wschodnia train station.
- Car. There is a parking lot for cars at Soho Factory.
Neon Museum in Warsaw – interesting facts and tips
- Have you ever wondered how neon signs work? We did, but only after our visit to the museum. Neons are essentially glowing tubes through which electricity flows. It reacts with the gas inside the tube, exciting the atoms and causing the emission of photons. As a result, the whole tube starts to glow in bright colors. So, it’s not magic – it’s chemistry and physics!
- The first neon in the capital lit up in 1926 – it was a Philips neon.
- The Warsaw Neon Museum is the first and only light advertising museum from the Cold War era in Europe.
- Soho Factory, the complex housing the Neon Museum, is a space full of interesting initiatives. The historic factory buildings have been given new life, creating the perfect location for cultural, artistic, fashion, and entertainment events, as well as dining venues.
- And finally – before your visit to the Neon Museum, throw on something bright! Wiolczi chose the most eye-catching sweater in her wardrobe, which looked great in photos taken in the glow of the neon lights.
Neon Museum in Warsaw – reviews
- Patrix –
- Wiolczix – 7/10. I really like museums that specialize in a specific field. I immediately imagine that they were opened by enthusiasts of the topic, and I’m happy to buy a ticket to such a place. The Neon Museum is small, and you won’t see anything other than… old neon signs and interesting facts about neon (both the glowing ones on the streets and the one from the periodic table). But on the other hand… the ticket is very cheap, the place has a nice vibe, and it’s another unique attraction to add to the list. Moreover, we got some great photos. It’s cool!
Neon Museum in Warsaw – frequently asked questions
Where is the Neon Museum located?
The Neon Museum is located at Soho Factory, Mińska 25, Warsaw. It’s a great opportunity to visit the famous Praga district (the neighborhood, not the city).
What are the opening hours of the Neon Museum?
The museum is open 6 days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM; on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Unfortunately, it is closed on Tuesdays.
Does the Neon Museum offer guided tours?
Yes, the Neon Museum offers guided tours, as well as educational workshops and film screenings. After-hours visits are also available with prior booking and an additional fee.
How much is the entrance fee to the Neon Museum?
Tickets to the Neon Museum are very affordable. A standard ticket costs 18 PLN, and a discounted ticket is 15 PLN. Children under 6 and disabled persons with an assistant can enter for free. Guided tours are available for groups of at least 10 people – a tour in Polish costs 120 PLN, and in English, it costs 150 PLN (each participant must also purchase an entrance ticket).
Does the Neon Museum organize special events?
Yes, the Neon Museum regularly organizes various events, such as workshops, film screenings, educational lessons, and special themed tours. Current information on upcoming events can be found on the official Neon Museum website.
Why is it worth visiting the Neon Museum in Warsaw?
The Neon Museum in Warsaw is a unique place where you can see historic neon signs from the PRL era, full of color and history. It’s the perfect attraction for design lovers, art enthusiasts, and those with nostalgic memories of past times. The museum offers a deeper understanding of past culture and how neon signs shaped the appearance of cities.
Neon Museum Warsaw – map
The Neon Museum is located in the Praga district of Warsaw.
