The Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970 stands on Plac Solidarności, outside Gate 2 of the Gdańsk Shipyard. Its three tall crosses, topped with anchors, commemorate workers killed during protests in December 1970. Unveiled in 1980, the monument marks the place where the first three people died. Pause to take in the scale and details of the sculpture, then visit the European Solidarity Centre behind it for photographs, documents and other material on the shipyard strikes and Solidarity movement.
A memorial at the shipyard gate
The monument stands on Plac Solidarności, in front of the former Gate 2 entrance to the Gdańsk Shipyard. The location connects the memorial directly with the workplace and events it commemorates. The first three people killed in the December 1970 protests died on this spot.
Unveiled in 1980, the monument commemorates shipyard workers killed during protests against the communist regime. The demonstrations followed price increases and were met with armed force. The memorial was erected ten years after the deaths, while communist rule was still in place.
Three crosses and anchors
Three steel crosses rise above the square, each topped with an anchor. The sculpture is 42 metres high and weighs 139 tonnes. Its large scale is immediately apparent from the open space around it.
The uneven, cracked surfaces carry reliefs depicting shipyard workers’ lives. Take time to look at these details as well as the crosses and anchors; the monument’s design brings the workers’ history into the memorial itself.
From the 1970 protests to Solidarity
The 1970 events preceded the formation of Solidarity, the independent trade union established by Gdańsk shipyard workers in 1980. The movement became part of the struggle for political change in Poland and across Eastern Europe. The monument therefore commemorates those killed in 1970 while also marking a place closely tied to the later history of Solidarity.
The European Solidarity Centre stands behind the memorial. Its collections include photographs, maps, documents and other records connected with the uprisings and their context. Visiting both places gives you more context than a short stop at the monument alone.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers?
It is on Plac Solidarności in Gdańsk, outside the former Gate 2 entrance to the Gdańsk Shipyard. The European Solidarity Centre is behind it.
What does the monument commemorate?
It commemorates shipyard workers killed during the December 1970 protests. The first three victims died at the site where the monument stands.
How long should I allow for a visit?
About five minutes is enough to see the monument and pause there. Allow more time if you also plan to visit the European Solidarity Centre.
Is there an entry fee for the monument?
The outdoor monument can be visited without a ticket or fee.
