The Sukiennice (Cloth Hall) have stood at the very centre of the Main Market Square for centuries - the first masonry structures appeared here soon after the city’s founding in 1257. The place’s name comes from the trade in cloth and fabrics, which were the main goods sold in the hall. For centuries the Sukiennice functioned as a large covered market hall - rows of stalls set opposite each other, where local and visiting merchants met to trade goods, exchange information and share news and gossip.
In this form the Sukiennice served as the city’s practical commercial and social centre - a place to exchange goods but also information. Next to the market stalls there were craftsmen’s shops and butcher stalls, and the Market Square area buzzed with mercantile activity, linking local trade to long-distance trade routes.
However, the building’s function and appearance were never fixed - fires, reconstructions and economic changes altered the Sukiennice several times, giving them new roles in the life of the city.
The most significant architectural changes to the Cloth Hall took place after a fire in the mid-16th century - the building was rebuilt in the Renaissance style and decorated with the characteristic attic and grotesque masks. The attic you see today is the result of that Renaissance reconstruction, which gave the Cloth Hall a decorative, representative appearance.
In the following centuries the building was modernised and adapted to new needs. In the 19th century, after conservation and architectural works, elegant arcade loggias appeared on the Market Square side - today these arcades are associated with shops and cafés. This transformation made the Sukiennice take on a representative function for the city - balls, ceremonies and official receptions were held here.
These changes meant that the Cloth Hall ceased to be only a place of simple trade - it became a symbol of urban prestige, combining practical use with a representative function.
From the late 19th century the upper floor of the Sukiennice began to serve as a museum space - it became the first seat of the newly formed National Museum. Parts of the building started to serve exhibition and educational purposes while traditional stalls remained on the ground floor.
In this period the Cloth Hall was a place for both art exhibitions and patriotic gatherings - it functioned as a civic salon where important events were celebrated. Its central location and symbolic character made it a natural venue for manifestations of culture and national identity.
This dual nature - commerce on the ground floor and culture on the upper floor - is a feature that survived for decades and influences how we perceive the Sukiennice today.
In the 20th and 21st centuries the Sukiennice consolidated its double identity. The ground floor still fulfils a commercial role - in the stalls and booths tourists and locals find souvenirs, handicrafts and local products. The first floor is a well-known branch of the National Museum - the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art, where works by artists such as Jan Matejko, Jacek Malczewski, Józef Chełmoński and Henryk Siemiradzki are displayed.
In recent decades modernising and conservation works have adapted the interiors to the standards of a contemporary museum - exhibition conditions, conservation care and visitor facilities have been improved. Thanks to that, the Sukiennice combine a historic setting with the functions of a modern cultural institution.
Today the site is visited by tourists from all over the world, while Kraków residents continue to use its cultural and commercial offer. That keeps the Sukiennice a living part of the city’s fabric, not just a historical relic.
On the ground floor: stalls with souvenirs, handicrafts and traditional products - an ideal place if you’re looking for classic Kraków keepsakes. Stalls are often accompanied by the characteristic Market Square atmosphere - street music, crowds and colour.
On the first floor: the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art - the permanent exhibition presents Polish 19th-century art across several themed rooms, showing both major works and the artistic contexts of the era. It’s a great way to combine a stroll around the Market Square with a museum visit.
Additionally, cultural events, book launches and temporary exhibitions sometimes take place in the Sukiennice - it’s worth checking current information on the National Museum or municipal event listings before you go.
Best times to visit - early morning or late afternoon: crowds are smaller then, it’s easier to take photos and easier to talk with stallholders. If you want to visit the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art without rush, avoid Mondays - museums are often closed then.
Be aware of crowds and pickpockets - the Main Market Square is one of Kraków’s busiest spots, especially during high season. Keep valuables in zipped pockets or inside bag compartments.
If you’re buying souvenirs, remember - prices at stalls are often fixed. Polite negotiation can sometimes work when buying several items, but don’t expect bazaar-style haggling. Look for items marked as handicraft or local - those are usually better quality.
Photography - you’re free to photograph the exterior and the ground-floor stalls, but the museum on the upper floor has its own rules - tripods and flash are sometimes prohibited. Always ask a museum staff member at the entrance if you’re unsure.
The Sukiennice hide several local legends - one tells of an iron knife hanging on a chain in a passage of the building, a symbol of old punitive laws and a dark story linked to the builders of St. Mary’s Church towers.
Although today the ground floor is largely run by businesses selling souvenirs, the Sukiennice have preserved the continuity of commercial function stretching back centuries. It’s a rare example of a place that hasn’t lost its original role despite political and cultural transformations.
In the 19th century the Cloth Hall also became a venue for balls and official ceremonies - an interesting contrast to today’s more commercial image. That layer of history remains visible in the building’s architecture and spatial layout.
If you’re looking for well-known places near the Sukiennice, consider cafés and restaurants with long traditions and good reputations. Around the Market Square you’ll find classics often recommended by both tourists and locals - establishments serving regional cuisine and atmospheric cafés.
Classic venues around the Market Square are appreciated for location and atmosphere - if you want a special dining experience consider booking a table for the evening. For a quick stop and a good pastry, popular cafés within the Old Town are a reliable choice.
Remember that prices on the Market Square can be higher than a few streets away - if you want more local flavours and better value, a short walk off the square usually pays off.
Ignoring museum opening hours - many visitors try to go up to the Sukiennice galleries on a Monday, when the museum may be closed. Check opening hours in advance, especially if your time is limited.
Buying souvenirs from the first stall you see - it’s worth walking around the stalls and comparing prices and quality before buying. Look for signed handicraft or locally made items - they tend to be better keepsakes.
Expecting Sukiennice to be only a “museum” or only a “shop” - the place has a dual nature. Plan for both: a short walk to admire the architecture and history, and then a visit to the gallery upstairs.
Are the Sukiennice free? - The ground floor with stalls is freely accessible. Tickets are required for the museum’s permanent exhibitions on the upper floor - prices and free-admission days may change, so check the National Museum’s current information before your visit.
Can I visit the Sukiennice with a guide? - Yes. Official guides and museum staff provide information about exhibitions and events. If you’d like a private guided tour, you can contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz - details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
How much time do I need for a visit? - A quick look around the ground floor takes 15–30 minutes. A full visit combining a walk through the stalls and a tour of the gallery upstairs usually takes about 1.5–2 hours, depending on your pace and interests.
The Sukiennice are a place that brings together many layers of history - from medieval trade through 19th-century prestige interiors to today’s museum and lively market. They deserve time during your stay in Kraków - combine a Market Square walk with a gallery visit and a short coffee break in one of the nearby cafés.
If you found this article helpful, share it on social media or send it to friends - it will help others plan a better visit to Kraków. And if you want to discover the Sukiennice with personal commentary and extra stories, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - her contact details are on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Enjoy your walk around the Main Market Square and happy discoveries!
