Did you know that “Atma” is not only a beautiful Zakopane villa in the Zakopane style, but also the only biographical museum of Karol Szymanowski in the world, run by the National Museum in Krakow? This place connects music, the Tatra Mountains and the life of one of Poland’s most important 20th-century composers and is worth adding to your travel plan, especially if you combine sightseeing with hunting for Krakow’s murals.
In this text you'll find: practical information about Atma (where it is, opening hours and tickets), a short travel plan from Krakow, quick street-art routes in Kazimierz and Podgórze, a list of the city’s best-known murals, photography tips, New Year’s Eve notes and recommendations for cafés and places to eat that fit a mural-walking route.
The article was written by Małgorzata Kasprowicz, a Krakow guide — a friendly guide meant to help you organise your time and photos well.
The Atma villa in Zakopane is a branch of the National Museum in Krakow dedicated to Karol Szymanowski. The exhibition tells the story of the composer’s life and work, his ties to the Podhale region and the place he called his small homeland. In the villa you’ll see personal belongings, a reconstructed study and materials that show the highlander influences in his music.
Atma was opened to the public in 1976 and in recent decades has undergone modernisation and renovations that make the exhibition clear and the interiors restored and adapted to a museum role. The villa often hosts chamber concerts and musical events connected to Szymanowski’s repertoire; some concerts at Atma are free of charge.
If you’re interested in music, Polish cultural history or Zakopane-style architecture, Atma lets you combine a highlander atmosphere with the story of the composer. It’s also a nice break from the urban trail — a trip from Krakow to Zakopane can be planned as a half-day or full-day excursion.
Address: the Atma villa is in Zakopane — Kasprusie Street 19, a convenient point to combine with a stay in the Tatra Mountains.
Organisation: Atma is a branch of the National Museum in Krakow, so it follows that museum’s policies (including free-entry days for some visitor categories). Museums often have a free day for permanent exhibitions and are commonly closed on Mondays — it’s best to check opening rules before you go.
Tickets: usually there are normal and reduced tickets and family tickets; prices for permanent exhibitions in National Museum branches are moderate and can include special rates for youth. Prices can be updated, so check current fees before your visit.
Opening hours: hours vary seasonally (in tourist season you’ll more often find morning and afternoon hours; off-season schedules can differ) — the safest option is to confirm visiting hours on the National Museum’s site.
The most direct logistics are by bus or car: buses run from Krakow’s main bus stations to Zakopane; the journey takes about 2–2.5 hours depending on road conditions and season. In high season it’s worth booking tickets in advance because there’s more traffic and higher demand.
If you drive, check road conditions and parking in Zakopane; in peak season (and with snow) the trip can be slower. Combining a mural route in Krakow with a trip to Zakopane is best planned as separate days — both programmes need at least a few hours for a relaxed visit.
If you don’t have your own transport: consider a train + bus connection or a guided day tour that includes transport; this is a convenient option if you prefer to avoid logistics and focus on sightseeing.
Krakow has several street-art hot spots: Kazimierz, Podgórze (including Zabłocie), the area around Rondo Mogilskie and some parts of Nowa Huta. In each of these parts of the city street art shows a different face — from small hidden graphics in courtyards to large-scale mural walls.
Kazimierz is ideal for a quick walk among murals, neon signs and photogenic courtyards. Works there often have strong local and historical context. Podgórze and Zabłocie are areas of industrial transformation where old halls and factory walls have become canvases for bolder, raw murals. On the outskirts, along major arteries and near shopping centres, you’ll find large-format works by artists known beyond Poland.
If you want to see murals systematically, city trails and recurring projects (for example mural contests and festivals) make it easier to reach interesting spots. Krakow has hosted projects that place artworks across the public space and publishes catalogues of mural trails.
Among the works and authors often mentioned in guides to Krakow street art are: the large mural on the wall of Galeria Krakowska (a Mall Wall Art project), works by M-City (Mariusz Waras) near Krupnicza, the “Mayamural” by Aleksandra Toborowicz, murals by the Italian artist Blu and pieces by artists such as Nawer or Pil Peled. These examples show the variety: from abstraction and geometry, through socially engaged images, to portraits and black-and-white narratives.
Keep in mind that street art is living: works are created, sometimes painted over or removed, and new projects appear during festivals and urban initiatives. Leave room for improvisation and spontaneous discoveries around corners when planning your route.
To see a range of styles and the best examples, include both the centre and Kazimierz as well as Podgórze in your route — together they show how broad Krakow’s street-art scene is.
Short 45-minute route for limited time: start at Judah Square (great for wide shots), walk along Świętego Wawrzyńca toward Estery, stop at Plac Nowy and return via a short detour on Józefa — this packs murals, neons and gateway graphics into an intense, very photogenic walk.
90-minute route — the full experience: Judah Square → Świętego Wawrzyńca → Estery (neons) → Plac Nowy (movement and light) → Józefa (gates and details) → Meiselsa (textures and smaller pieces). This pace lets you stop for details, enter a courtyard, grab a coffee and take photos in different light.
If you want to add Podgórze/Zabłocie to the route, add at least an hour — that area has expansive murals and an industrial character that contrasts well with Kazimierz tenement houses.
Blue hour (just after sunset) works wonderfully around Estery and Plac Nowy — neons and mural colours blend with soft, cool light. In the morning at Judah Square you’ll find empty frames and long shadows that compose well with large-scale works.
After rain, on Józefa Street look for puddles — mural reflections in water make very cinematic shots. The late afternoon, around 45–60 minutes before sunset, is a good time for mid-close shots — the light is soft and colours are natural without harsh contrasts.
When planning photos, remember many murals are on private or residential walls — respect residents’ privacy, don’t enter closed courtyards without permission and avoid blocking walkways.
New Year’s Eve brings increased crowds, changes in city organisation (event zones, street closures, altered transport). If your stay coincides with New Year’s Eve and you want to see murals, plan your mural walk earlier that day or in the days before — streets are calmer and safer for photography then.
Avoid the busiest spots during prime New Year’s Eve hours: the Old Town and Main Market draw the largest crowds. For mural shots, choose Kazimierz and Podgórze in the morning or before noon. If you want to feel the New Year’s atmosphere, check the city’s official programme and public transport updates (trams and buses often change routes or run limited services at night).
Safety: during mass events carry ID, a minimal wallet and secure your phone. Dress warmly and wear slip-resistant shoes — December and January weather and pavements can be icy. If you plan to watch outdoor fireworks, keep a safe distance and remember some public places may be closed for public order reasons.
During a walk in Kazimierz and the surrounding area plan short stops at well-rated local places. Good spots for coffee and a rest: Massolit Books & Café (a bookstore with a café, great for a moment with a book and a sandwich) and the classic cafés around Zaułek św. Tomasza — if you want to feel the local vibe these are good places to pause.
At Plac Nowy you’ll find quick street-food options — classic zapiekanki and local snacks, ideal if you want to continue the walk without a long break. For a longer stop choose cafés and restaurants with a cosy interior — a good option in colder days and for evening photoshoots.
If you prefer to reserve a table for New Year’s Eve or a city-view evening, do it well in advance — many places close reservations quickly during the holiday season.
Mistake 1: trying to see everything in one day. Krakow’s murals are spread across districts — better split visits into shorter routes.
Mistake 2: not checking museum and branch opening hours (for example Atma) — museums often have closed days and seasonal schedules. Always check current info before you go.
Mistake 3: ignoring the social context — don’t enter private courtyards without permission, respect residents and don’t leave rubbish after picnics near murals.
Mistake 4: being underprepared for winter — on a New Year’s Eve walk or a December outing bring a warm waterproof jacket, good shoes and extra gloves for operating a camera or phone.
Is Atma in Krakow? No — the Atma villa is in Zakopane, but it is a branch of the National Museum in Krakow. Plan this visit as a trip outside the city.
Are murals accessible year-round? Yes, most murals are permanent public works, but their condition can change (overpainting, damage). In winter some locations may be harder to reach because of weather.
On New Year’s Eve is it better to see murals or go to a party at the Market? It depends on your expectations. If you prioritise photos and a peaceful visit, plan a route for the morning; if you want to enjoy city parties and concerts, choose central events and be prepared for crowds and transport limitations.
Atma means “soul” in Sanskrit, and this name fits perfectly a museum dedicated to a creator full of musical poetics. The villa’s interiors are intimate — it’s not a large museum building but a home with a story.
In Krakow street art evolved from subculture and today appears both in commercial urban projects (competitions and city initiatives) and in more independent works. While walking you can encounter large pieces by known artists as well as small, very personal graphics in gateways.
Some murals are closely linked to cultural events (festivals, city projects), so following local event calendars helps you spot new works and live actions.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media — sharing helps others plan their time in Krakow better.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with a guide, I invite you to use my services — a private tour lets you see the most interesting murals and hear the city’s stories at the perfect light and pace. Contact for reservations and more information can be found on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
Wishing you great shots, safe walks and beautiful musical moments — both at Atma and on Krakow’s streets!
