General Information

The Museum of Armed Deed (Muzeum Czynu Zbrojnego) in Nowa Huta houses an impressive collection of over 3000 artefacts, including different types of weapon, Polish and Soviet military uniforms, medals, orders, military orders, vintage newspapers, photographs and objects made by concentration camps prisoners. The most iconic item, however, is a Soviet tank standing in front of the museum.

Additional Information

The museum was opened in 1963. The exhibits come from private sources as well as from various military units and veterans’ organisations. Besides the aforementioned artefacts, the museum also houses numerous flags and military banners. The heavy Soviet tank, IS2, standing in front of the museum took part in several battles, including those in Prague and in Berlin. Today, it is one of the landmarks of Nowa Huta.

IS2 Heavy Soviet Tank: Highlights

The IS2 tank (IS being the initials of Joseph Stalin) was designed with thick amour to counter German 88 mm guns, and carried a main gun that was capable of defeating heavy German tanks. It was a breakthrough tank, firing a heavy high-explosive shell, useful against entrenchments and bunkers. The IS2 was used in the Battle of Berlin by the Red Army in the final stage of the war.