The new approach to commemorating open-air war sites on the example of the Museum of Westerplatte and the 1939 war in Gdańsk, Poland

Abstract

This paper focuses on current issues in the development of open-air memorial sites. The concept of open-air museums is evolving in the twenty-first century to encompass sustainable protection of war monuments in their historical context. The cultural landscapes require minimal intervention. However, to ensure the viability of the museums and accessibility to visitors, new additions – in terms of architecture and urban design – are inevitable. The challenge is to guarantee the quality and coherence of any additions and to preserve historic landscapes. It is also crucial to ensure public acceptance of revitalization efforts. Open architectural competition might be a reliable means of delivering viable results, as demonstrated by the recent construction of a new military cemetery and restoration of the battlefield in Westerplatte in Gdańsk, Poland.