Modernist port city becomes first Polish entry recognised as a complete urban complex, as Gdynia marks 100 years since receiving city rights
Gdynia’s modernist city centre has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, following a decision taken at the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Making it the first entry from Poland recognised as a complete modernist urban complex.
The inscription lands in Gdynia’s centenary year, exactly 100 years since the Baltic port city first received city rights. Prized for its whitewashed facades, curved balconies and streamlined, ocean-liner-inspired buildings, its interwar centre is now recognised as one of the world’s most complete and coherent examples of a modernist city.
A fishing village of just 1,200 people in 1920, Gdynia was chosen as Poland’s gateway to the sea after the country regained independence in 1918. Within two decades its population had grown a hundredfold, and its skyline had become a showcase of interwar ambition.
A centenary year like no other
The listing lands at the perfect moment. Gdynia is already deep into a year-long centenary programme, culminating in the Summer Birthday Night on 22 August 2026, a waterfront celebration at Skwer Kościuszki featuring live music, outdoor cinema, food markets, an attempt at one of the world’s longest birthday tables, and the largest drone show ever staged in Poland.
With UNESCO status now secured, Gdynia joins a list of 1,273 sites worldwide, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Acropolis. It now steps confidently toward its next chapter, including preparations to host the 2027 World Sailing Championships.
One of Europe’s best-kept seaside secrets just joined the world stage.
