How to Plan Your Visit to the Krakow National Museum in Poland
Krakow is a city rich in history and culture, and the National Museum is one of the main attractions for those interested in Polish art and heritage. Here’s a guide to help you plan your visit to the museum.Overview
The Krakow National Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Poland. It is home to over 780,000 exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, coins, and more. The museum’s collection encompasses both Polish and foreign art, with some items dating back to ancient times.Experience
The tour we recommend allows you to visit the two permanent galleries of the National Museum in Krakow with a single entrance ticket. You will visit the gallery “Arms and Uniforms in Poland” on the ground floor of the museum. This is the second largest exhibition in Poland that displays early militaria. Here you will walk through over 2000 exhibits covering military history from the Middle Ages to World War II. In addition to the museum mentioned above, you will also have access to 37 other museums in Krakow for 3 days with the Krakow card, which is unique to this tour. This card will allow you to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage for free. Some of the museums included in the City Pass are Schindler’s Factory, Main Market Square Underground, Polish Aviation Museum, Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), City Defense Walls Krakow, and Archaeological Museum.Highlights
The highlights of the tour include:- Visiting the second largest display of military articles of historical interest in Poland
- Admiring nearly 4000 exhibits in the gallery of Decorative Art
- Getting access to 38 museums in Krakow for 3 days with a unique card
How to Book
If you’re interested in visiting the Krakow National Museum and the other 37 museums in Krakow, you can book the tour in advance through GetYourGuide.Tips for Your Visit
- Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours in the gallery of Arms and Uniforms in Poland to give yourself enough time to explore every corner of the exhibition.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking through the museum and several other museums in the City Pass program.
- The Krakow card is valid for 72 hours from the time of validation, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly to make the most of the museum pass.
Book Your Tour Now
If you want to explore the cultural heritage of Krakow and Poland, with a special interest in military history, the Krakow National Museum and the City Pass program are must-visit attractions. This tour offers great value for money, allowing you to discover the rich history of both Poland and Krakow in just three days. Make sure to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance for a hassle-free visit to the Krakow National Museum.
National Museum Krakow: Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re planning a visit to the National Museum in Krakow, one of the most important cultural institutions in Poland, you might have some questions. To help you out, we’ve put together this FAQ with some of the most common queries about the Museum.What is the National Museum Krakow?
The National Museum Krakow is an important cultural institution in Poland, dedicated to preserving and exhibiting works of art and other objects that are significant to the country’s history and culture. The Museum has several branches and collections, but its main building is located in the historical center of Krakow, in the beautiful Sukiennice building on the Main Market Square.What are the opening hours of the National Museum Krakow?
The opening hours of the National Museum Krakow vary depending on the season and the branch you’re planning to visit. The main building on the Main Market Square is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm. On Mondays, the Museum is closed. Some of the other branches may have different opening hours, so it’s best to check the website or contact the Museum in advance.What are the admission prices for the National Museum Krakow?
The admission prices for the National Museum Krakow depend on the branch and the type of ticket you’re purchasing. The basic ticket for the main building on the Main Market Square costs 25 PLN (about 6 USD) for a regular ticket and 15 PLN (about 4 USD) for a discounted ticket, which is available for students, children, and seniors. There are also special tickets and packages available, which may include access to other branches of the Museum or guided tours.Can I take photos in the National Museum Krakow?
In general, taking photos is allowed in the National Museum Krakow, but there are some restrictions. You are not allowed to use flash photography or tripods, and you may be asked to refrain from taking photos in some of the more delicate or sensitive areas of the Museum. If you’re not sure whether it’s okay to take photos, it’s best to ask the staff or consult the signs posted around the Museum.Are there guided tours available in the National Museum Krakow?
Yes, there are guided tours available in the National Museum Krakow, both for groups and individual visitors. You can choose from several types of tours, such as general tours of the highlights of the Museum or more specialized tours focusing on specific collections or themes. The Museum also offers audio guides and multimedia guides for visitors who prefer to explore the Museum on their own.What are some of the highlights of the National Museum Krakow?
The National Museum Krakow has many remarkable collections and objects, but some of the highlights include:- The Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art in Sukiennice
- The Stanisław Wyspiański Museum in Kamienica Szołayskich
- The Czartoryski Museum
- The Gallery of Decorative Arts in the Main Building
- The European Art Gallery in the Main Building
Is the National Museum Krakow accessible for people with disabilities?
The National Museum Krakow strives to be accessible for people with disabilities, but some of the buildings and collections may have limitations. For example, the historic buildings may have stairs or uneven terrain that make it difficult for wheelchairs or walkers. However, the Museum has made efforts to improve accessibility, such as installing elevators, ramps, and special exhibitions for visually impaired visitors.Can I bring food or drinks into the National Museum Krakow?
In general, food and drinks are not allowed inside the National Museum Krakow, with a few exceptions. You can bring bottled water, and there are coffee shops and restaurants available on the premises if you need to take a break or grab a bite to eat. If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, it’s best to check with the staff or consult the Museum’s website for more information.Is there a gift shop in the National Museum Krakow?
Yes, there are gift shops in the National Museum Krakow, both in the main building and in some of the other branches. You can find a variety of souvenirs, books, and other items related to the Museum’s collections and exhibitions. If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful gift for someone, the Museum’s gift shops are definitely worth a visit.Can I access the National Museum Krakow with my pet?
Unfortunately, pets are generally not allowed inside the National Museum Krakow, with a few exceptions. Service animals are allowed, but you may need to notify the Museum in advance and provide documentation. If you’re traveling with a pet, it’s best to make alternative arrangements or leave your furry friend at home while you visit the Museum.Book Your Tour Now
We hope this FAQ has been helpful in answering some of your questions about the National Museum Krakow. Whether you’re a long-time art lover or a curious traveler, the Museum is definitely worth a visit, with its impressive collections, beautiful buildings, and rich cultural heritage. Don’t forget to plan ahead, check the Museum’s website for the latest information, and enjoy your visit to one of Poland’s most important cultural institutions!
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in National Museum Krakow
The National Museum of Krakow, also known as Muzeum Narodowe w Krakowie in Polish, is a must-visit site for tourists who love history and art. The museum has over 780,000 exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, artifacts, and documents, that showcase the rich culture and traditions of Poland. If you’re visiting Krakow, here’s how you can make the most of your time at the National Museum.1. Explore the Main Building
The main building of the National Museum Krakow is housed in a 19th-century palace that’s located at 3 Maja Street, in the heart of the city. The palace has four floors, each with unique art collections. Here are some of the highlights of each floor:Ground Floor
The ground floor of the museum is dedicated to temporary exhibitions. Depending on the time of the year, you can see various art installations, themed exhibitions, and contemporary art works. The museum’s website updates the temporary exhibition program frequently, so you can check what’s new and plan your visit accordingly.First Floor
The first floor of the National Museum Krakow is devoted to Polish art from the medieval times to the 18th century. Here, you can admire Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque paintings, sculptures, and decorative art. Some of the must-see exhibits on this floor include the famous “Lady with an Ermine” painting by Leonardo da Vinci and the “Crucifixion” painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder.Second Floor
The second floor hosts artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by famous Polish painters such as Józef Chełmoński, Jan Matejko, Jacek Malczewski, and Stanisław Wyspiański. This floor has a wide range of art pieces from various art movements, such as the Realism, Impressionism, and Symbolism.Third Floor
The third floor of the museum holds decorative art, such as ceramics, furniture, glassware, textiles, and metalwork. You can see examples of traditional Polish and European decorative arts, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Modernism.2. Visit the Sukiennice Museum
The Sukiennice Museum, also known as Cloth Hall, is another part of the National Museum Krakow, located in the Main Market Square. It houses a collection of permanent exhibitions of Polish art, crafts, and folklore from the 19th century. Here’s what you can see in the Sukiennice Museum:Gallery of 19th Century Polish Art
The gallery has 15 rooms, representing the different artistic styles that flourished in Poland in the 19th century. You can admire landscape paintings, portraits, and genre scenes by famous Polish artists such as Józef Chelmoński, Aleksander Gierymski, and Julian Fałat. The gallery has a cozy atmosphere and is decorated with artistic elements that resemble a 19th-century apartment.The Treasury of the Visitationist Church
The Treasury is located on the lower level of the Cloth Hall and is a fascinating collection of sacral art from the 16th to the 18th century. You can admire golden and silver chalices, reliquaries, and liturgical vestments that belonged to the Visitationist Church in Krakow.3. Discover the Czartoryski Museum
The Czartoryski Museum is a separate building complex located close to the Main Square, and it’s also part of the National Museum Krakow. It’s home to an extraordinary art collection that holds everything from ancient Egypt art to European masterpieces from the Renaissance.Ground Floor
The ground floor houses the Department of Decorative Art, with a particular focus on the French art of the 18th century. Here you can see exquisite decorative elements, such as furniture, porcelain, silverware, and textiles.First Floor
The first floor hosts the Gallery of European Paintings, which features works from the 14th to the 18th century, including artwork from famous painters such as Botticelli, Rembrandt, and Veronese. The most popular artwork in this gallery is F. Raibolini’s “Lady with an Ermine,” a painting that depicts a portrait of a young woman holding an ermine.Second Floor
The second floor has the Oriental Art Department with a collection of oriental art and artefacts from Turkey, Persia, China and Japan. The collection has intrigued many since its inception and continues to move visitors to awe and mesmerize.4. Take Part in a Museum Workshop or Guided Tour
The National Museum Krakow offers various workshops and guided tours for children and adults, and these can enhance your museum experience. Here are some of the programs that you can join:Workshops
The museum conducts creative workshops for children and families that introduce them to the art and artifacts in the museum. There are also workshops that teach traditional Polish crafts such as straw weaving, paper cutting and kneading ornaments.Guided Tours
A guided tour of the museum is a great way to learn the history and significance of the artwork in the museum. You’ll be paired with a guide who can answer your questions and explain the context behind each exhibit. Alternatively, you can download an audio guide that provides detailed information about each gallery.Book Your Tour Now
The National Museum Krakow is one of the must-see sites in the city, and it offers an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Polish culture and history. By following these tips, you can make the most of your time at the museum and gain a unique understanding of the country’s past and present. Don’t forget your camera, as you’ll want to take loads of photos of the wonderful exhibitions you’ll see at the museum.Table of Contents
