Muzeum Motoryzacji SKARB NARODU

In the heart of the historic Modlin Fortress, located in the town of Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, lies a remarkable place — the Skarb Narodu Automobile Museum. This is more than just a vehicle exhibition; it is a true treasury of Poland’s industrial memory. Poland is proud of this private project, which grew from the genuine passion of enthusiasts into one of the most significant collections in the country.

Skarb Narodu Motor Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The museum specializes in cars from the PRL (People's Republic of Poland) era and the post-Soviet period. It houses over 280 exhibits, including the legendary Żuk trucks, the hard-working Nysa vans, the agricultural Tarpan, and, of course, all kinds of modifications of the famous Polonez. The collection is housed in the authentic interiors of the ancient fortress, creating a unique atmosphere where military history meets technical progress.

What makes Skarb Narodu special is its approach to vehicle preservation: many cars are presented in "as-is" condition, highlighting their life journey, while others undergo meticulous conservation and servicing. It is a "living" museum where every steering wheel and every detail represents the story of the people who created and used these machines over the decades.

To confirm details before your visit or to contact the administration, you can use the museum's official channels. The Skarb Narodu Automobile Museum maintains an active website and welcomes collaboration with volunteers and collectors.

The main activity here is a nostalgic journey through rows of classic cars. You can examine rare models like the Polonez Caro or Daewoo Matiz in detail and learn how Italdesign's Italian styling influenced the Polish auto industry. Visitors often note the special "rust and shine" aesthetic, watching how old, once-abandoned cars are transformed into worthy museum pieces.

Photography enthusiasts will find plenty to work with here: the rugged brick walls of the Modlin Fortress serve as the perfect backdrop for the vibrant bodies of vintage cars. The museum encourages exploring technical nuances—you can read articles about the restoration of rare four-wheel-drive Tarpan 4x4 models or compare the specifications of popular models from years past.

In addition to viewing the exhibition, guests can purchase unique souvenirs: branded T-shirts and stickers to help remember the visit. For the most dedicated fans, there is an opportunity to become a volunteer and personally participate in the life of the museum, helping with exhibit maintenance or event organization.

Getting to this unique location is quite simple, as it is situated just 30 kilometers from Warsaw. The most comfortable way to travel is by private or rental car via the A8/E67 highway. The journey from the capital's center takes about 40 minutes. Convenient parking for visitors is available near the fortress.

If you prefer public transport, take a suburban train from Warszawa Gdańska station to the Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki station. The travel time is approximately 30–40 minutes. From the railway station to the Modlin Fortress (Twierdza Modlin) itself, you can take a local bus or a taxi, which will take no more than 10 minutes.

For those using a navigator, simply enter the address: Generała Józefa Bema 200C. The museum is located directly within the historic fortification complex, making the drive there quite scenic.

The history of Skarb Narodu (National Treasure) began not as a serious museum project, but as a witty joke by a group of friends from the "Nasz Tor" association. Robert Brykała and his colleagues created a satirical social media page to poke fun at "businessmen" trying to sell ordinary PRL-era (People's Republic of Poland) cars as rare antiques. However, the irony quickly evolved into a genuine passion for rescuing old machinery.

Initially, the collection was tucked away in a garage of a former bakery in Warsaw. Over time, the number of rescued cars grew, and the team was joined by new collectors. A significant milestone was the collaboration with the Passenger Car Factory (FSO), which allowed the exhibits to be housed for a time in the historic workshops in the Żerań district. This combined the dream of preserving industrial heritage with the real opportunity to show the cars to the public.

Today, the museum has found its home in the Modlin Fortress. It is a symbolic location: the massive walls of the old fortification now protect the technical achievements of the last century. From a "pile of scrap metal," as the founders jokingly called their first acquisitions, the collection has transformed into one of the largest gatherings of Polish classic cars, recognized at a national level.

To leisurely explore the impressive collection of more than 280 exhibits, the average tourist will need about 2–3 hours. This is enough time to walk through the halls, take photos, and read the information plaques that tell the stories of specific models.

For true fans of engineering and classic motoring, the visit might take longer. If you enjoy studying restoration details, comparing modifications of various Polonez or Tarpan models, and diving into archival materials, feel free to set aside half a day for your visit.

Please note that currently, the Skarb Narodu Automobile Museum may be temporarily closed to the general public or operating on a limited schedule. Exhibitions are often held by prior arrangement or as part of special cultural events held within the fortress grounds.

Before planning your trip, it is highly recommended to check the current schedule on the official website or the museum's social media pages to ensure the exhibition is open for viewing on your chosen day.

A visit to the automobile museum in the Modlin Fortress is a great excuse to explore the entire grounds of this grand fortification. The surroundings are rich in historical monuments that allow you to literally touch the military past of Poland and Europe as a whole.

Walking between the sites won't take much time, as most interesting locations are concentrated within walking distance. Below are the nearest attractions: