The clock mechanism on the town hall facade features two mechanical goats that butt heads every day at noon.
The Renaissance attic was designed by the Italian architect Giovanni Battista di Quadro in the mid-16th century.
The Great Hall ceiling, or 'Renaissance Hall,' is considered one of the finest examples of late Renaissance interiors in Poland.
The town hall was originally constructed as a two-story building in the 13th century before its Renaissance expansion.
The building survived the heavy destruction of World War II, which leveled much of the surrounding city center.
The museum collection includes historical guild items, such as the elaborate insignia used by Poznań’s merchants.
The Museum of the History of Poznań is housed within the Old Town Hall, a prime example of Renaissance architecture in Poland. The structure features a distinctive three-story loggia and an attic added during the 16th-century reconstruction by Giovanni Battista di Quadro. The building occupies the central position of the Stary Rynek, or Old Market Square. Inside, visitors explore the history of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day through diverse collections. Notable interior spaces include the Great Hall, which retains an original Renaissance barrel vault decorated with stucco. The museum's collections include historical artifacts, paintings, and civic memorabilia detailing the administrative and social evolution of Poznań. It serves as a focal point for understanding the city's role in the Greater Poland region. The building underwent significant modern restoration to preserve its structural integrity and historical interiors.
The arcade of the town hall facing the market square, capturing the Renaissance loggia against the colorful merchant houses.
Visit just before midday to secure a prime viewing spot in the square for the mechanical goat performance.
Spend time observing the architectural details of the exterior arcade before entering the museum.
Check the museum's temporary exhibition schedule online, as they often host specialized historical displays.
Do not mistake the exterior goats' performance for the entirety of the museum experience; the interior history exhibits are the primary focus.
Closed on Mondays.
