History

The beginnings

For over sixty years, the Youth Culture Centre in Gdynia has been supporting the development of children and young people, creating opportunities for them to pursue their passions and spend their free time in a meaningful way. To quote the mayor of Gdynia, Mr Wojciech Szczurek: ‘There is probably no family in Gdynia that has nothing to do with the Youth Culture Centre.’

The history of the institution is almost as long as the history of the city in which it operates. The first young participants began their adventure with the Youth Culture Centre in 1951, in a building at 26 Żeromskiego Street, near Kaszubski Place. Young people attending classes at that time named it after Janek Krasicki.

In the early years, children who wanted to enrol in the workshop had to be recommended by a children’s or youth organisation and have a referral signed by their class teacher, parents, school principal, ZMP chairman or troop leader (in 1952, the Scout House was incorporated into the centre). Students had to have very good grades and excel in community service. Participation in classes was a reward, and the MDK became an elite place to spend time after school.

Boys and girls developed their talents in workshops such as painting, photography, biology, chemistry, physics, boatbuilding, aviation, home economics, dance, music, mechanics, dressmaking and sewing, and handicrafts.

The 1950s and 1960s

The facility developed dynamically in the 1950s and 1960s. From several dozen of participants, the number of children attending classes increased to 3,000 after 1970. In 1974, the Superintendent of Education and Upbringing renamed the Youth Culture Centre to the Youth Palace. During this period, young people from distant districts of the city, as well as from Sopot and Rumia, came to Gdynia in large number to attend classes.

In the 1980s, a branch of the Youth Palace was established and many events for children and young people from outside the city (balls, tournaments) were organised. The workshops were then divided into four departments: Art, Sport, Technology and Mass Events. In 1983, as a result of receiving additional staff positions, a Marching Brass Band, a Sea Song stage band and a Children’s Sea Stage were created. The greatest pride of the Youth Centre at that time were: Artistic Gymnastics, Art, Small Forms Theatre and Early Music, which won many awards at competitions in Poland and abroad.

The 1990s

In the 1990s Youth Culture Centre was moved to Bema Street and afterwards to its current seat – building at 2 Grabowo Street. This change allowed for an increase in the number of workshops, the admission of more participants and, consequently, the employment of more teachers.

Nowadays

Currently, MDK graduates bring their children and grandchildren to classes, and the institution, still strong and young, has no plans to retire… On the contrary! Modernly equipped workshops, a rich programme offer, a friendly and family atmosphere, and energetic, passionate and qualified teachers mean that children and young people continue to eagerly participate in classes, making the Youth Culture Centre a part of their lives.

For which we thank them warmly!