Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with the Ermine is one of the few works by this master in Europe and the only Leonardo painting permanently available in Poland. Even if you only have a short time in Krakow, it’s worth setting aside time to calmly see the Czartoryski Museum collection — it pairs European painting masterpieces with important artifacts of Polish history.
Many visitors ask whether you can reach the museum “in just 15 minutes by tram.” The Czartoryski Museum at Pijarska 15 is very well located near the Planty and St. Florian’s Gate. In practice you can walk here in a few minutes from the Main Market Square, and from nearby transport hubs a tram ride plus walk typically takes anywhere from a few to around fifteen minutes depending on the line and waiting times. That makes a visit easy to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule.
The museum address is ul. Pijarska 15 — the building sits right by the Planty park and St. Florian’s Gate, essentially in the heart of the Old Town.
The nearest tram stop is Stary Kleparz; several tram lines that pass through the city center stop nearby. From the stop it’s usually a short walk of a few minutes to the entrance on Pijarska Street.
If you start from the Main Railway Station (Dworzec Główny), walking takes about 8–12 minutes. A tram from a nearby stop is typically a few minutes’ ride plus the walk — so the realistic travel time “tram plus walk” often falls between 5–15 minutes.
Keep in mind that travel can take longer during rush hour or city events — allow extra time if you have a timed ticket.
The Princes Czartoryski Museum operates as part of the National Museum in Krakow. It is most often open Tuesday through Sunday, with Monday usually closed. Hours can change for seasonal schedules or technical closures, so check current opening hours before your visit.
Entries to the museum are time-limited: tickets are sold for a specific date and time. We recommend buying tickets online in advance — especially if you want to see the Lady with the Ermine on a weekend or during high season.
Tuesdays are often a day with free admission to portions of the National Museum’s permanent exhibitions — a good opportunity, but remember that timed ticket rules and limits still apply and not all displays may be covered by free entry.
Plan for baggage rules — you cannot leave large suitcases in the cloakroom at the Czartoryski Museum, though small backpacks may be accepted. Last admissions are usually allowed about an hour before closing, so arrive a little earlier if you want to view the exhibition at a relaxed pace.
The permanent display includes Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Lady with the Ermine as well as works by Rembrandt and other European masters. The collection spans painting, sculpture, arms and armor, and decorative arts — offering a cross-section of art history and national memorabilia.
The exhibition is arranged across several rooms — take your time, look at details and read the labels. The museum offers audio guides in multiple languages and some audiodescription paths in selected areas.
For history lovers: the Czartoryski collection was assembled over centuries and mixes fine art with objects connected to Poland’s past. This context helps explain the special character of the museum relative to other national museum branches.
The museum is right by the Planty and St. Florian’s Gate, so after your visit you can stroll the Planty toward the Main Market Square, explore the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) or climb St. Mary’s Basilica tower. Nearby are also Matejko Square, the Barbican and sections of the medieval city walls.
If you have more time, walk toward Wawel Castle — a pleasant route through historic streets, or a short public transport ride. If you plan to visit several museums, ask at the ticket desk about combined tickets or current promotions that sometimes include other National Museum branches.
Some lesser-known nearby spots worth a short detour: historic tenement facades with interesting details, small contemporary galleries tucked into side streets, and intimate churches with richly decorated interiors — all discoverable on a short walk between main points.
Around the Market and the Planty you’ll find many well-regarded cafés and restaurants. A coffee by the Planty or a light lunch in a restaurant serving Polish and international dishes is a perfect way to unwind after museum time.
If you need a quick bite before more sightseeing, look for cafés and small eateries on the streets between St. Florian’s Gate and the Market — this area has many fast and reliable options. During busy mornings and lunch hours, choose places with good reviews to avoid long waits.
For a quieter, more local experience, try smaller cafés and top-rated neighborhood restaurants a few streets off the main tourist routes — these often offer memorable food away from the busiest crowds.
Assuming you can enter without a ticket — the museum sells timed tickets and popular slots can sell out.
Planning a visit for Monday — the museum is usually closed that day; always check current opening days and hours before heading out.
Bringing large suitcases — the museum cannot store big luggage; leave large bags at your hotel or use external luggage storage services.
Not accounting for ticket checks and queues — even if the tram ride takes only 15 minutes, allow extra time for ticket collection and entry checks.
Do I need to reserve a ticket in advance? Yes — tickets are sold for specific times and it’s wise to book ahead during the season.
Is admission on Tuesday always free? On many Tuesdays there is free entry to parts of the permanent exhibitions, but the exact rules and scope can vary — check before you go.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities? The museum provides accessibility features, including audio guides and some accessible routes — contact the museum in advance if you need specific accommodations.
How much time should I allow to see the exhibits comfortably? Plan at least 1–1.5 hours to see the main rooms and highlights. If you want to read labels or use the audio guide, allow more time.
The Princes Czartoryski Museum is a must-see for art lovers, and its central location makes it easy to include even on a short Krakow visit. Book your ticket in advance, arrive a little earlier than your entry time, and give yourself a quiet moment to enjoy the works — it’s worth it.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media to help them plan their Krakow visit. If you’d like to explore Krakow with a local guide, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she organizes personalized walks and tours focused on art and city history. Enjoy your visit and happy sightseeing!
