Collegium Maius is the oldest university building in Poland, located at 15 Jagiellońska Street — just a few minutes’ walk from the Main Market Square. It features a beautiful courtyard, a treasury and several exhibition rooms that show the history of the Jagiellonian University and unique scientific instruments.
In practice this means some interiors are historic, with narrow passages and stairs — so when planning a visit with a stroller it helps to know which areas are easiest to access and where it may be better to use a baby carrier or leave the stroller in storage/reception.
On weekends and during long holiday weekends visitor numbers increase — exhibitions are often visited in timed groups, so a plan plus booking or arriving early will make your visit much easier.
Start: arrive in the morning — ideally right after opening. On busy long weekends queues form and entry to exhibitions can be limited, so the first slots are usually less crowded.
1. Courtyard and cloisters - the most picturesque part, easy to enjoy with a stroller. Take photos here and give your child a moment to walk on the flat surface.
2. Permanent exhibitions - ask at the ticket desk whether the exhibition route is stroller-friendly. If not, ask where you can leave the stroller and use a carrier, or alternate care with your companion.
3. Interactive exhibition - when available, this is often engaging for older children; it’s usually family-friendly and a good break between the historic rooms.
4. Professors’ Garden (seasonal) - if open (typically spring through autumn), it’s a nice place to rest before continuing to explore the city.
After the visit: a short walk toward the Market Square and a coffee or lunch break in one of the nearby cafés is a pleasant way to recharge before more sightseeing.
Address: 15 Jagiellońska Street, a few minutes on foot from the Main Market Square. The easiest option is to walk from the Market Square or take a tram and get off at a nearby stop.
Reservations and practical info: during busy times (long weekends, summer season) it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm entry times and availability. The museum provides up-to-date visitor information at its reception.
Entry to the courtyard and exhibition visits are often organized in timed groups — the number of people per tour can be limited. When planning your visit, allow for intervals between groups and possible waiting.
Collegium Maius is partially adapted for visitors with limited mobility — there is an adapted entrance and accessible toilets. However, not all historic rooms are fully step-free.
If you plan to come with a large, full-size pram, be prepared that some interior spaces may be tight. A lightweight, folding stroller or a carrier/wrap for shorter passages through exhibition rooms is often more convenient.
If you need special assistance — mention it when booking or at the entrance. Museum staff can help with alternative routes or point out safe places to leave the stroller.
- Lightweight, folding stroller or a wrap/carrier for carrying your child inside historic rooms.
- A small blanket or liner, snacks and a bottle of water — a long weekend often means breaks and moving between attractions.
- ID and a phone with the museum’s contact numbers saved — in case you need to check entry times or availability.
- A small first-aid kit, wet wipes and spare diapers — essentials when you’re visiting with a child.
The area around Collegium Maius is Kraków’s historic centre, so you’ll find many cafés and family-friendly restaurants nearby. Look for cafés around the Market Square and Plac Szczepański that serve coffee and child-friendly desserts, or restaurants with space for strollers and high chairs.
Many central cafés and restaurants have baby-changing facilities or access to an adapted toilet — if you need a changing table, ask staff before you enter. For a longer stay choose a venue with more indoor space or an outdoor terrace.
If you want something quick and typically local, the Old Town offers street snacks and cafés with treats that children usually enjoy.
Can I enter the museum with a stroller? - Partially. The courtyard and some spaces are stroller-accessible, but historic rooms may have stairs and narrow passages — be prepared to leave the stroller in a designated spot or use a carrier.
Can I take photos? - Photography rules vary by exhibition. Often photos without flash are allowed, but it’s best to ask at the entrance to avoid misunderstandings.
How long does a visit take? - A standard guided visit and viewing of the permanent exhibition typically takes about 30–60 minutes. If you plan breaks, time in the garden or the interactive exhibition, allow 2–3 hours.
Not checking opening hours for the long weekend - museums often change hours or limit entries during holidays and city events. Call or check before you leave.
Arriving with an oversized stroller and assuming you can access every room - it’s better to bring a compact stroller or a carrier and leave a large pram in your car or a storage point.
Not planning rest breaks for the child - a long weekend with lots of walking tires little ones quickly; schedule pauses in the garden or a nearby café.
There is a clock on the Collegium Maius courtyard with figurines and a melody — it’s a fun meeting point for children and a good way to agree on a time to regroup.
The museum treasury holds items such as rector’s ceremonial maces and the Jagiellonian Globe — a great moment to tell children a short, engaging story about travel and discoveries.
Collegium Maius is where many famous scholars studied and worked — a short anecdote about a notable alumnus, such as Nicolaus Copernicus, can spark curiosity in young visitors.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media, especially if they plan to visit Kraków with a small child.
If you’d like to explore more comfortably and learn the history with a local guide, consider the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A private guide can adapt the pace to your child and plan a route that considers stroller access and family needs.
Wishing you a calm, curious and enjoyable long weekend in Kraków!
