The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is one of Krakow’s most recognizable spots, but for a lover of painting it is more than a collection of tourist stalls. On the upper floor of this Renaissance building you’ll find the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art — a place where you can trace the development of Polish painting from the Enlightenment through Young Poland and symbolism.
With the "In the Footsteps of Artists and Painters" route I invite you on a walk that combines a museum visit with tangible nearby places — a café with polychromes, townhouses that inspired artists, and spots where painters met to discuss art. The route suits people who enjoy combining art knowledge with direct experience of the city.
If you plan to visit the Cloth Hall, remember that the National Museum has opening days and hours that can change; permanent exhibitions are sometimes free on Tuesdays — a good option to save time and money during a longer stay in Krakow.
The first Cloth Hall appeared in the 13th century as a cloth market and over time became a representative city hall. The building is notable for its distinctive attic with mascarons and arcaded walkways, a look we know today thanks to the rebuilding after the fire of 1555 and a major 19th-century renovation — it was then that Tomasz Pryliński gave the Cloth Hall much of its renewed appearance.
In the 19th century the upper floor of the Cloth Hall was adapted as a gallery — in 1879 the National Museum’s space dedicated to Polish painting began operating there. This historic connection of commerce and art made the Cloth Hall a place of two characters: a lively trading area on the ground floor and a calm museum space above.
Legends and architectural details — such as the iron knife hanging in a passage or the stone mascarons on the attic — add narrative color to the place. This is an excellent base for a themed tour, because history and art are deeply intertwined here.
The gallery is arranged in several thematic rooms that step-by-step show the transformations in 19th-century Polish painting. Exhibitions are set up chronologically and thematically, so it’s easy to follow the evolution of styles and inspirations.
Among the works that usually attract the most attention are paintings by Jan Matejko, Jacek Malczewski, Henryk Siemiradzki, Józef Chełmoński and Władysław Podkowiński. Some rooms are named after masters (for example, the Chełmoński or Bacciarelli rooms) and group works with similar aesthetics or themes.
A particularly strong narrative can be built around Podkowiński’s painting Szał (Frenzy) — a work that caused scandal in its time and still sparks the imagination. The Cloth Hall galleries also include works by symbolists, impressionists and realists that together form a panorama of Polish 19th-century art.
The route naturally starts at the Cloth Hall: allow 60–90 minutes for a relaxed visit to the museum rooms, beginning with Enlightenment and historical halls and then moving to rooms with Young Poland art. This order helps you see the shift from classicism toward symbolism and impressionism.
After the gallery visit, go downstairs and head to the Noworolski Café — the interior decoration includes polychromes by Józef Mehoffer and Henryk Uziembła, which are themselves a small lesson in applied art and period style.
From there, stroll around the Market Square: St. Mary’s Basilica (the trumpeter’s tower, interiors with historical artifacts and connections to artists of the time), Bracka Street and then the Planty or toward Wawel if you have more time. Along the way you’ll pass townhouses, artists’ studios and places that inspired painters — a good guide can stitch these points into a story about Krakow’s artistic inspirations.
Check opening hours and ticket prices before you go — the National Museum is usually closed on Mondays, and permanent exhibitions run from Tuesday to Sunday; free-admission days occur regularly (for example, Tuesdays).
Tickets: buying online lets you skip queues in high season. For groups or visitors with children, check reduced fares and possible guide reservations. It’s worth booking in advance if you come on weekends or during holidays.
Accessibility: some parts of the Cloth Hall are adapted for visitors with limited mobility; if you need specific information (ramps, toilets, services for visitors with special needs), call the museum.
Noworolski Café (inside the Cloth Hall) is a classic — historic interiors, coffee and cakes in an atmosphere of bygone times. For a more formal meal, consider Restaurant Wierzynek — an establishment with a long tradition on the Main Market Square. Both places are popular and work well after an intensive visit.
For a quick lunch or snack try the bars and small restaurants around the Market Square with high guest ratings: choose places with short waiting times but good quality. If you prefer a quieter meal, head into the side streets from the Square — you’ll find less touristy, well-reviewed spots serving regional cuisine.
If you fancy dessert, check reviews of confectioneries and cafés in advance — the best places can be busy, so reserving a table (especially in the evening) is often a good idea.
Arriving without checking the museum’s opening hours. During high season and holidays hours may be reduced — always check the official schedule before your visit.
Buying souvenirs immediately upon entering the Cloth Hall and skipping the upstairs exhibition. The gallery on the upper floor is the main reason to go inside — don’t leave it for a "next visit."
Wearing an overly theatrical outfit for museum touring. Interiors are representative, but comfort and practicality (especially on cooler days) are more important than fashion.
How much time should I allocate for the route? Usually 2–3 hours is enough if you plan: 1–1.5 hours in the gallery + a walk around the Square and a coffee break.
Do I need to book a guide? It’s not necessary — the exhibitions are clearly described, but touring with a guide provides rich historical and artistic context. The Cloth Hall also has official guides and museum staff who lead themed tours.
Is the visit suitable for children? Yes — prepare a short, engaging story about one or two paintings to keep the youngest interested.
The Cloth Hall has been more than commerce and art — it hosted balls and civic celebrations, and the space repeatedly changed function while remaining central to Krakow’s life.
The interiors of Noworolski hide polychromes that often escape the notice of hurried tourists — these are small works of applied art ideal to point out on the "in the footsteps of artists" route.
Paintings that once caused scandal (for example, Podkowiński’s Frenzy) are today favorite discussion points about how art can stir a community and shift generational tastes.
If you enjoyed this route, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help them discover less obvious faces of Krakow. If you’d like to tour with a guide, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a private guide who prepares personalized routes and leads visits in a friendly, guest-centered way (contact details available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website).
Good luck on the "In the Footsteps of Artists and Painters" route — may your visit be not only about looking at paintings but also learning the stories of the people and places that created them. Let me know if you want a shortened version of the route (45–60 min) or an extended one (3–4 hours including Wawel and Podgórze).
