A time machine

Welcome to Poznań’s PRL Museum — two floors of pure throwback energy that’ll have you feeling like you time-traveled straight into your babcia’s 1970s apartment.

We linked up with Maja Blumska at the PRL Museum, one of the co-founders, to dig into the vibe and vision behind this insanely nostalgic spot.

So Maja — what sparked this whole idea?

Maja: Honestly? It was just missing in Poznań. We felt there was no place where people could really experience what everyday life in the PRL era was like. We didn’t want to just hang photos on a wall — we wanted to create something educational but hands-on, something where people of all ages could touch, explore, and feel the past. Especially younger generations. It’s history you can sit on!

You grew up in that time, right? What do you remember most?

Maja: Oh yeah. I was a kid back then, and what sticks out the most? The queues. I remember standing in line for hours just to get a loaf of bread or toilet paper. That was life — waiting, ration cards, and making the most out of very little. But at the same time, there was a strange kind of warmth to it. We all shared that reality together.

The space is stacked with PRL gems. Where’d it all come from?

Maja: Mostly from family, friends, and kind strangers. People are always donating things! Almost every week, someone shows up with something to add. It’s become a community project in a way.

Do you have a favorite?

I’d have to say the porcelain tea set in the “Women’s Room.” And also this dress that belonged to my grandmother. It holds so much emotional value. It’s like a piece of her is here in the museum with us.

Wait — the Women’s Room?

Maja: Yes! It was inspired by an old magazine from back then called “Woman’s Life.” We wanted to give a little nod to the daily life of Polish women during that time — the homemaking, the beauty routines, the magazines, the hopes and dreams. It’s like stepping into someone’s private world.

What’s still on your wishlist to add?

Maja: A full-on telephone booth would be epic. And, of course, a Fiat 126p — the ultimate symbol of the PRL streets. It all depends on space, but we’re definitely dreaming big!

Has running the museum changed the way you see that era?

Maja: Not really. If anything, it confirmed how I already felt. For kids, it was a time of play and connection. We didn’t have screens or TikTok — we had each other. But for adults, life was tough. Now, we’re freer, and that freedom is priceless. But there was a certain beauty in the simplicity and human connection of those days.

If you could sit down with anyone from the old days, who’d it be?

Maja: Easy — my grandfather. I’ve heard so many amazing stories about him. He lived through so much, and I’d love to just sit with him, ask questions, hear his take on everything.

Have you always been into collectables?

Maja: Yes, but my biggest passion is actually education. That’s why this museum is interactive. We didn’t just want to show people history — we wanted them to experience it. That’s what makes it special.

I noticed there’s a vintage microphone on the stage—does it actually work?

Haha, it sure does! Wanna give it a go? We’ve had a few impromptu performances already. It’s all part of the experience!

What do visitors love the most?

Maja: Kids are obsessed with the typewriter — they can’t believe people used to write that way. The rotary dial phones are also a hit — they blow people’s minds. And we have these scent blocks — yeah, seriously — that let people smell old-school soap, school supplies, even the weirdly specific scent of a communist-era classroom. It’s wild.

So, tourists and expats welcome too?

Maja: Of course! All the descriptions are in English too, so nobody’s left out. We get visitors from all over — and they love it. It’s a crash course in Polish history, but done in a way that’s fun and unforgettable.

Any sneak peeks of what’s next?

Maja: All I can say is… we’ve got big plans to make the museum even more personal, immersive, and alive. I don’t want to spoil anything yet, but trust me — it’s gonna be something absolutely unique in Poland.

WHERE TO FIND IT

Whether you’re a PRL kid through and through or just vibing with the retro aesthetic, PRL Museum is a must-visit. Go touch history, type a letter like it’s 1978, spin that rotary dial, and breathe in a piece of the past. It’s fun, funky, and surprisingly emotional.

📍 Address: Żydowska 4, Poznań
📞 Phone: +48 603 090 206
📧 Email: info@prlmuzeum.pl
🌐 Website: prlmuzeum.pl
📱 Socials: Facebook | Instagram

🕙 Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets available online – book ahead to skip the line!