Collegium Novum is one of the most recognizable buildings of the Jagiellonian University — its monumental neo‑Gothic façade on Gołębia Street catches the eye from the Main Market Square. The building primarily serves academic and representative functions, so access to the interior is sometimes limited and depends on events organized by the university.
That said, this is good news for visitors: when the Aula is open (concerts, lectures, Museum Night), entering gives you a chance to see beautiful interiors and a unique academic atmosphere — often with smaller queues than at other attractions and with excellent acoustics for concerts.
If you are a senior wondering about tickets — this guide will tell you where to look for information, what to check before your visit and how to use available discounts.
Collegium Novum stands at 24 Gołębia Street (Old Town, close to the Main Market Square) and is one of the representative buildings of the Jagiellonian University. Built in the neo‑Gothic style in the second half of the 19th century, it houses the Aula, seminar rooms and administrative offices. From the outside it impresses with its austere red brick, while the interiors delight with details and polychromes.
In practice, Collegium Novum is not a permanent museum with an everyday ticket — the interiors are made available for events, concerts, lectures and special open days. When planning a visit, the best approach is to check the university’s or the UJ Museum’s current events schedule.
Note the address: Gołębia 24 — a common meeting point for walks around the University Quarter and a convenient starting place for visiting nearby sites such as Collegium Maius.
Access to the Aula and the interior of Collegium Novum usually happens as part of: concerts and cultural events organized by the University, open days such as Museum Night, and special guided tours or group visits. There is no single, permanent ticket office for daily general admission.
Tickets for events taking place in university spaces (including the Aula) are typically sold through the university’s official ticketing system or at UJ Museum information points — so before your visit check the events page or the university ticket portal and reserve a spot in advance when possible.
In practice: if you see a concert or lecture in the Aula that interests you, buy your ticket early and read the event description carefully — it usually explains available discounts and entry rules.
Many cultural events held in the Aula and other university rooms offer reduced-price tickets — these often apply to students, pupils and groups such as seniors. Discount rules are not fixed and depend on the event organizer, so always check the event description or ask when buying the ticket.
Practical tip: bring an identity document or card (if required) that confirms your age or entitlement to a discount. For online ticketed events the available reduced fares are usually selectable at the ticket type stage.
If you plan to come as a group of seniors, contact the organizer directly — special group rates or reserved seating are sometimes available.
Collegium Novum is a historic building — accessibility and ease of movement inside can vary depending on the event and room layout. If you need a seat near the entrance, easier access around steps or an elevator, request this when booking your ticket.
Recommendation: when buying a ticket or making a reservation, inform the organizer in writing or by phone about any accessibility needs; many events can prepare a suitable seat or provide assistance. Contact details for UJ information points and the UJ Museum are available on the university’s official pages — it’s worth calling ahead to confirm access.
Also, arrive a little earlier to find your seat calmly, use facilities and get familiar with the space. On busy days (festivals, Museum Night) the venue can be crowded — early arrival helps a lot.
Organized groups (for example senior clubs or interest groups) can often arrange entry or a guided visit in advance. In such cases contact the event organizer or the UJ Museum Office directly to set a date, number of participants and any accessibility needs.
If you want to see the interiors outside official events, ask about the possibility of a group visit — the university cannot always open every space, but for educational or tourist groups exceptions are often possible after prior arrangement.
For group bookings it helps to have a participant list, an estimated visit duration and information about special needs (e.g. seating, restrooms, breaks). This makes it easier for organizers to prepare the visit.
Collegium Novum is in the heart of the University Quarter, so it’s easy to pair your visit with Collegium Maius (the UJ museum with scientific instruments), a stroll through the courtyard and the Professor’s Garden, and a short walk to the Main Market Square.
I recommend planning a coffee or meal break at well‑known nearby places: Wierzynek (historic restaurant on the Market), Charlotte (famous for its bakery and breakfasts, near Plac Szczepański) and Cafe Camelot (a cozy café nearby — perfect for a rest after sightseeing). These are reliable local favourites appreciated by both tourists and residents.
If you want to extend your visit, choose a themed walk around the University Quarter — you’ll see spots connected with the history of science, monuments to great scholars and century‑old townhouses.
Assuming Collegium Novum is open every day for visitors — that’s a mistake. Interiors are often closed outside events; always check the schedule before you go.
Failing to check discount rules — if you expect a senior discount, be sure which documents are needed and whether the discount applies to the specific event.
Arriving at the last minute for popular events — it’s usually better to come early, especially if you need assistance or a seat with a good view; booking in advance solves most problems.
Can I enter Collegium Novum without a ticket? — Usually entry to the interiors requires participation in an event or a special permit; the courtyard and exterior architecture can be viewed without restrictions.
How do I buy a ticket for a concert in the Aula? — Most likely via the university’s official ticketing system or the event’s page; many events offer online and in‑person sales.
Do seniors have discounts? — Many events offer reduced tickets, but the organizer sets the rules; check the event description or ask when purchasing the ticket.
Is the building accessible for wheelchair users? — Accessibility can be limited in historic parts of the building; if you need assistance, contact the organizer in advance so they can prepare appropriate seating and help.
If you plan a visit: check the university events calendar, buy your ticket in advance if possible, and report any accessibility needs. Events like Museum Night or university concerts are perfect opportunities to see the Aula of Collegium Novum from the inside.
If you’d like a fuller, more comfortable visit of Kraków with a local guide, consider booking a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and offers are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa website. If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on your social media so more people can learn how to plan an accessible visit to the heart of university Kraków. Best wishes for a great visit! (Remember to check contact details for the Jagiellonian University information points and the UJ Museum before your trip).
