Collegium Novum is one of the most recognizable buildings of the Jagiellonian University — a neo‑Gothic façade, an impressive assembly hall and richly furnished interiors that include paintings by notable Polish artists. The address is ul. Gołębia 24, right in the heart of the Old Town, so you’ll likely pass it during a walk from the Main Market Square. The building serves academic and representative functions: inaugurations, doctoral promotions, lectures and conferences take place here, and public access depends on scheduled events and the university administration’s decisions. For inquiries about rooms and reservations you can contact the conference office by phone at +48 12 663 23 60 or by e‑mail at sidor@adm.uj.edu.pl.
In practice this means Collegium Novum does not have fixed visiting hours like a museum — access is usually connected to an event (an open lecture, concert, open day) or arranged in advance with the administration.
Also keep in mind that the building stands within Kraków’s historic UNESCO zone and is very close to the Market Square, so even if you can’t enter, the exterior architecture and atmosphere are attractions worth pausing for.
On holidays (for example All Saints’ Day, Christmas, New Year’s Day) access to university buildings is often limited because of academic breaks, closed offices or a lack of public events. You should not assume Collegium Novum will be open automatically — many entrances may be closed or accessible only by special invitation.
If visiting the Aula or inner rooms during a holiday is important to you, the best strategy is to check the university events calendar and contact the building administration by phone or e‑mail. Often the only occasions to see the interiors outside official ceremonies are open days, concerts, public lectures or special university events.
Some websites and online directories list irregular opening hours for organizations operating inside Collegium Novum (e.g., student groups), but such information can be out of date; treat it as a hint rather than a guarantee of access.
The most reliable method is contacting the building administration directly — by phone or e‑mail — and asking about the possibility of entry on a specific date. When planning your visit, give the date, an approximate time and the purpose (touring, attending a lecture, filming, etc.).
It’s also a good idea to check the Jagiellonian University events calendar and the site dedicated to room reservations and conferences — this is where information about open lectures, concerts and other events that allow visitors inside most often appears. If you find an event that interests you, reserve a spot or arrive a little early, since space in the Aula can be limited.
If you can’t contact anyone beforehand — go to the building. Ask at the reception or security desk whether entry is possible; sometimes small groups of tourists are admitted between events, but this depends on the day’s schedule and university services’ decisions.
The best approach is to combine a visit to Collegium Novum with attendance at an open event (public lecture, concert, exhibition). That way you’re most likely to get inside, sit in the Aula and see portraits and decorations up close.
If interior photography is important to you, ask in advance about photography rules — during official ceremonies there may be restrictions on flash or a total ban on taking pictures. The university cares for artworks and furnishings, so such rules are common.
On weekdays during office hours (outside holiday breaks) there’s a higher chance of arranging entry with staff — but more classes also take place then. On weekends and holidays, if the building is open, there are often fewer academic events, which can make for a quieter visit — provided entry is allowed at all.
If you can’t get into Collegium Novum, the area around the Market Square offers excellent alternatives for a coffee break or a meal. Recommended spots include Cafe Camelot (a cozy café right by the Market), Massolit Books & Cafe (for book lovers and good coffee), Charlotte (fresh bread and pleasant breakfasts on Plac Szczepański), Wierzynek (a historic restaurant for traditional Polish cuisine) and Pod Aniołami (Polish dishes in an atmospheric interior).
For overnight stays close to the Market, consider Hotel Stary (boutique, high standard), Hotel Wentzl (historic, with views of the Market) or Sheraton Grand Krakow (for predictable international standards and amenities). When booking, check reviews and location — short walks across the Old Town make it easy to reach most attractions.
If you’d like an academic atmosphere, look for cultural events organized by the university — they often take place in different university halls and can be a great chance to see Collegium Novum’s interiors.
Assuming Collegium Novum has fixed visiting hours — that’s a mistake. The building is primarily a working university facility, not a museum, so public access can be limited. Instead of arriving 'on a whim', check the events calendar or call ahead.
Attempting entry during a major university ceremony (e.g., promotions, inaugurations) — access is usually restricted then, and it’s best not to disturb formal academic events. The university has important ceremonies for students and staff.
Not having a backup plan — if you can’t get in, have a list of nearby attractions and places to sit, eat or have coffee. A walk along the Planty, the Royal Route or visits to nearby museums will save your day if the interiors are closed.
Is entry to the Aula paid? There’s usually no fixed entrance fee, but access depends on the event — some happenings may require a ticket or registration.
Can I enter without an invitation on holidays? That’s rare — many university buildings have limited access during holidays. Entry is most likely only during a scheduled public event.
How can I check if there are lectures open to the public? Look for news and calendars on the Jagiellonian University site and city cultural event pages. Watch for notices about open lectures and public invitations.
Is the building accessible for people with limited mobility? Some rooms and spaces may be adapted, but accessibility depends on the specific entrance and event. Contact the administration in advance to ask about ramps, lifts and alternative routes.
Collegium Novum stands on the site of former medieval student halls — you can almost feel the university’s long history while walking around the building. The Aula displays works by well‑known artists and portraits of rectors, and the hall has long been used for academic and cultural ceremonies.
Although the building looks like a tourist attraction, its rhythm is set by academic and administrative life — so the best chances to see the interiors are during open lectures, concerts and special university days. Virtual tours and photos are available online and can help you decide whether to plan an in‑person visit.
If you’re interested in deeper stories about the interiors, look for themed events in the Aula — they often provide fascinating tales about the university’s history and the art housed there.
If you plan to visit Collegium Novum during the holidays, do a quick check: consult the UJ events calendar and contact the building administration. This will save you time and disappointment, and might let you catch a special public event.
If this article helped you — share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like to explore Kraków with a local guide who knows the city 'inside out' and can tailor the route to your interests, consider booking a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Enjoy your time in Kraków and happy discoveries — even if Collegium Novum is closed, the neighborhood is full of beautiful places worth exploring!
