The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) are not only an icon of the Main Market Square and a beautiful piece of architecture — they are also a branch of the National Museum with a collection of 19th-century Polish painting, which can become an inspiring space for lessons for pupils of many ages. On one hand you have the exciting history of the place: cloth trade, changing fashions, legends and city traditions; on the other hand the museum’s educational offer tailored especially for schools. That way a visit can combine safe “sightseeing” with an active lesson in art, history and culture.
A visit to the Sukiennice works well both as a standalone stop on a one-day trip and as part of a longer programme including Wawel, St. Mary’s Basilica or the Underground Museum of the Market. For teachers it’s convenient: central location, the ability to order a museum lesson and spaces adapted to work with school groups. Students react enthusiastically to stories about clothing styles, everyday life in historic Kraków and to practical tasks — identifying objects, sketching a section of a painting or working in small teams.
Book lessons at the National Museum (Sukiennice branch) well in advance, especially in high season — the museum accepts organized groups and offers many ready-made themes adapted to different school levels. Typical museum lessons last 60–90 minutes, and the museum also runs museum games and guided tours.
Check opening hours and booking rules: the museum has standard opening times, and organized groups can sometimes enter earlier (for example on certain weekdays from around 9:00). Ask about reserving a specific time slot to avoid crowds.
Costs and payment rules: a museum lesson usually includes admission to the exhibition. The museum charges per pupil and often applies minimum group fees — check the current price list and rules for accompanying adults (often one adult per 10 pupils enters free). If you plan a guided tour in a foreign language or special workshops, confirm available options and rates when booking.
When you book, ask about logistical details: where groups enter, where to gather before entry, whether there is a cloakroom for large groups, whether the museum provides extra educational materials and whether any paperwork or visitor rules must be signed by pupils.
What to bring: the student list with contact details, school emergency numbers, proof of reservation, copies of parental consent forms if required, a first-aid kit and basic medications (e.g. for allergies), and a few spare masks/hand sanitiser if you want to keep extra precautions.
Clothing and identification: ask pupils to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers — it can be windier or cooler on the Market Square than in the classroom. Use bands or simple group identifiers so that it’s easier to keep order in the often busy Main Market Square.
Cash or cards: if you plan a break for souvenirs in the stalls under the Sukiennice or a snack at a café, it’s useful to have small change. For larger groups set clear rules about pupils’ spending and break times.
Meeting point: agree on a specific, highly visible spot at the Sukiennice — for example the steps by St. Mary’s Basilica or by the Adam Mickiewicz monument. Run a short organising routine (roll call, reminder of rules) so entry to the museum is smooth.
Arrive early: aim to be at the site 10–15 minutes before the scheduled entry time, especially if the group needs to use the cloakroom or go through security. Cloakrooms and ticket desks usually operate up to opening times, but with large groups it’s best not to risk being late.
Cloakroom and baggage: the Sukiennice has a cloakroom and designated facilities for visitors with reduced mobility. If you have large backpacks, umbrellas or bulky items, it’s better to leave them in the cloakroom than take them into the exhibition. This keeps the lesson safer and more comfortable for everyone.
Divide the class into smaller teams and give each a short, concrete goal: recognise three different painting techniques, find a painting with a specific motif, or describe one scene in three sentences. Short tasks keep attention and turn the visit into an active experience.
Use museum materials: the National Museum runs lessons and museum games prepared especially for different age groups. If you booked a museum lesson, cooperate with the educator and follow their guidance — museum educators know the best ways to work with children in an exhibition space.
For creative activities: bring simple classroom aids — question cards, short worksheets, task envelopes, pencils. Remember that in most museums touching exhibits is forbidden, so tasks should be based on observation, note-taking and conversation rather than handling works.
Behaviour rules: remind pupils about quiet behaviour, keeping a safe distance from exhibits and no running. It helps to go over a few simple, positive rules the day before the trip and ask class teachers to remind students on the bus.
Museum lessons at the National Museum cover various themes — from the history of fashion, through painting techniques, to interpreting pictures. Choose a topic that matches your curriculum and the pupils’ age so the visit is educationally valuable.
Museum games and workshops: if the museum offers an educational game, it’s a great way to encourage teamwork and reinforce information. Alternatively, short art workshops run by museum educators or in a designated room are worth checking for availability when you book.
Combine with the Underground Museum of the Market: consider adding a module at the Rynek Podziemny (Underground Market Museum) — entry is usually separate with different tickets, but such a combination gives pupils a unique lesson in archaeology and the city’s history. Book in advance and watch for site limitations.
Homework or class tasks: ask pupils for a short report — a drawing, a limerick, or a letter from the viewpoint of one character in a painting. This helps consolidate learning and develops storytelling skills.
Create a mini-exhibition at school: selected pupil works can be displayed in a corridor or shown to parents. This motivates students and shows the tangible results of the educational trip.
Assessment and reflection: a short pupil survey (what they liked, what was difficult, what they’d like to repeat) will help plan future outings and improve the format of your lessons.
Do we need parental consent? This depends on your school’s internal procedures. At the museum standard safety rules apply — it’s good to have written or electronic consents and information about allergies and medication.
How many accompanying adults should we bring? Typically one adult per 10 pupils receives free entry to museum lessons, but it’s wise to have at least two adults with younger classes. Give the actual number of chaperones when booking.
Can we take photos? In most museums photography without flash is allowed, but there are exceptions — always confirm rules on site. Encourage pupils to document the visit with short notes or sketches.
Not confirming the reservation in advance — this causes stress and may lead to cancelled activities. Always keep the booking confirmation and the contact details for the museum’s reservation centre.
No plan B for weather and breaks — the Market Square is open and can be crowded; have an alternative for a quick meal or a quieter resting spot. Agree clear rules about behaviour and break times.
Trying to do too much in one day — it’s better to spend more time in one place and really ‘work’ with pupils than to rush through several attractions superficially.
For centuries the Sukiennice were not only a cloth market — merchants sold many kinds of goods there, from spices to animals. This variety offers a great starting point for a conversation about life in a medieval town.
In the 19th century the Sukiennice became the first seat of the National Museum in Kraków, and the first galleries opened there after reconstruction. It’s a good story about how historic places can change function and serve new generations.
On the Sukiennice terraces there is a café with a view over the Main Market Square — a quick reward for pupils after a valuable lesson and a pleasant spot for a short break.
If you plan a break on the Market Square, the terrace café at the Sukiennice (Cafe Szał) offers quick access to toilets and a great view of the main attractions. For older groups a historic option is Restaurant Wierzynek, which accepts group reservations (book ahead).
Alternatives: short sandwich stops at nearby cafés and bakeries or packed lunches help keep the trip on schedule and control costs. Remember that some squares and pavements get crowded, so have a plan to move a break to a quieter spot if needed.
What else to see: after the Sukiennice consider visiting the Underground Market (separate tickets and reservations) or heading to St. Mary’s Basilica and Wawel if you have more time and want to expand the educational programme.
Preparing a field trip to the Sukiennice is mainly about good organisation and using the educational tools the National Museum provides. With a solid plan and a few simple steps (dividing into teams, clear rules, short tasks) the visit will become an unforgettable lesson for the whole class.
If you’d like the trip to be even more polished, feel free to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a private guide whose offer and contact details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I also recommend sharing this article with fellow teachers and parents planning a visit to Kraków.
