Report from the opening of “Pack Up the Museum”

Gdynia Modernism Through a Japanese Lens: The “Pack Up the Museum!” Opening Is Now Behind Us! 

On Friday, July 17, the Gdynia City Museum hosted an extraordinary opening reception for the exhibition titled “Pack Up the Museum – Young Design from PJATK Gdańsk.” This exceptional event attracted lovers of modern design and enthusiasts of local history, resulting from a unique collaboration among institutions in the Tri-City.

We cordiallyinvite you to check out the photos from the opening reception, which perfectly capture the atmosphere of the evening! Below is a recap of this event, which was full of artistic inspiration.

Gdynia Modernism in Japanese Aesthetics

The centerpiece of the exhibition was a collection of original wrapping paper designs. Although these are typically seen as purely decorative, students in the Graphic Design program at the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology in Gdańsk proved that a pattern can convey a profound story.

The dozens of designs on display were inspired by Gdynia’s identity—its iconic modernist architecture, its seaside character, and the upcoming centennial celebration of the city’s incorporation. To highlight the university’s unique Polish-Japanese heritage, the students’ graphic works were displayed in an arrangement that directly references traditional Japanese scrolls. Curator Marta Marszałek was responsible for the cohesive visual structure of the space.

The Opening Ceremony Program and Interactive Activities

The official opening, which began at 6:00 p.m., drew a large crowd—ranging from students and faculty to residents of Gdynia. In the photos, guests can see not only the finished designs but also a behind-the-scenes look at their creation. An integral part of the event was the screening of a special documentary film in which young designers discussed their inspirations, creative challenges, and thought processes.

The organizers made sure that the opening would engage the visitors' senses:

• DIY Zone:Participants could fold origami themselves or use special stamps to create their own unique composition of the winning paper design.
• Flavors of Japan:An added attraction during the opening weekend was theYaki King food truck parked outside the museum, serving authentic Japanese delicacies.

View the photo gallery and visit the exhibition

The “Pack Up the Museum” exhibition will run in Gdynia throughAugust 24. We encourage you to check out the full photo gallery from the opening, and if you feel inspired—the museum’s doors are open to you for the entire coming month. Another great opportunity to catch up will be the official guided tour of the exhibition, scheduled for the third Sunday in August (August 16), which will be led by the project creators themselves.