Collegium Maius is the oldest preserved university building in Poland and one of the most vivid lessons in Kraków’s history. Even a walk around the courtyard and cloisters shows that academic life here has been going on for centuries; part of Polish scholarship was born here and professors who once taught here left works we now admire in museum rooms.
It’s an ideal place to begin a full-day route: a short visit to the museum gives a solid historical context, and afterwards you can set off to discover smaller, lesser-known spots nearby that together tell a rich, coherent story about academic Kraków.
The Jagiellonian University Museum at Collegium Maius displays abundant collections connected to the university’s and science’s history. Among the holdings are impressive scientific instruments - from astronomical devices and globes to instruments once used in physics and chemistry departments.
In the museum rooms you’ll also find historic portraits of professors, reconstructed teaching interiors such as the old library or a professors’ dining room, plus special and interactive exhibits that make both historical and modern science accessible and engaging.
If you’re interested in the history of the exact sciences or in curious technical devices from the past, allow a bit more time. Even a small, seemingly technical object can tell a fascinating story about how people explored and understood the world.
On the interior courtyard there’s a so‑called playing clock with a tiny procession of figures connected to the Academy’s history. To music that recalls courtly tunes and the academic song Gaudeamus Igitur, small figurines—such as a university porter, Queen Jadwiga, King Władysław Jagiełło and other notable characters—move in sequence.
This little performance decorates the courtyard and often draws attention—plan a short pause to watch it. The mechanical procession usually appears at set times, but schedules can change, so it’s a good idea to check the current timetable before your visit.
The museum operates at set hours, and the permanent exhibition can be visited both with a guide and individually. During the week there are often guided tours in several languages, while those who prefer shorter visits can use non-guided entry during designated hours.
Keep in mind that the museum offers promotional or free-entry hours (for example selected weekday afternoons) as well as special access for temporary exhibitions. For larger groups or specific dates it’s wise to reserve in advance or check ticket availability online.
A practical tip - to avoid the largest crowds, plan a morning visit or a late-afternoon slot on days when exhibitions allow unguided entry. Always verify current hours and prices on the museum’s official information before you go.
Morning - Collegium Maius: start in the museum and courtyard. Allow 1.5–2 hours if you want to see exhibits, instruments and historic rooms at a relaxed pace.
Afternoon - walk through the University District: right next door stop by Collegium Novum and admire its historic façade, then look for intimate alleys and small courtyards that tell stories about student life in earlier centuries.
Lunch break: the area around the Market Square and Świętej Anny Street has many cozy cafés and restaurants—a perfect moment to rest and gather energy for more exploring.
Later afternoon - gardens and small museums: look for the Professors’ Garden or other green corners near the university. These peaceful spots are great for a leisurely walk after a morning full of history.
Evening - a quiet finish: end the day in a calm café or a small gallery nearby where you can reflect on the day and pick your favorite discoveries.
Professors’ Garden - a small, intimate garden tied to the university’s history, perfect for a short rest. Places like this often go unnoticed but add the atmosphere of old Kraków to a walk.
Cloisters and architectural details - pause to look at stone details, coats of arms and inscriptions. Small motifs speak about founders, the richness of academic tradition and how the building’s function changed through the centuries.
Small temporary exhibitions and themed rooms - beyond the main display the museum regularly prepares shows devoted to fragments of the history of science, art or university life. It’s worth checking what’s on during your visit.
Wear flat-soled shoes and bring a light layer - historic interiors and cloisters can be cooler than the street, even in summer.
Take your time - allow short stops and moments to look closely. It’s better to see fewer things attentively than to rush through every room.
Check photography rules and possible restrictions - in some rooms taking pictures may be limited to protect the exhibits.
Always verify official information on courtyard access, guided tours and special museum events before your planned visit.
Collegium Maius gives a strong, authentic starting point for exploring academic Kraków. Combining a museum visit with peaceful gardens, a stroll through the district and a break in a charming café creates a day that will stay with you.
If you can, plan your visit outside the busiest tourist times and leave room for surprises. In Kraków the small discoveries—hidden details, quiet gardens and unexpected stories—build the most memorable experiences.
