MOCAK is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00–19:00 (closed on Mondays). The ticket office generally operates 11:00–18:30, and the last admission to the exhibitions in Building A is 30 minutes before closing (in other exhibition spaces the last admission is 15 minutes before closing). These basic facts will spare you disappointment at the gate if you plan a last-minute visit.
Check the museum's announcements before you go for any changes to exhibitions or opening days — vernissages, special events or installation work can temporarily close selected galleries and affect your visit. The museum regularly publishes news and an events calendar.
You can usually pay by card at reception and at the ticket desk. MOCAK offers different types of tickets (full-price, reduced, family, combined) — check prices before your visit so you don’t overpay or get surprised by the documents required for discounts.
On entry you must deposit larger bags in self-service lockers. Maximum locker dimensions are 48 × 37 × 48 cm. Suitcases, large backpacks, umbrellas and food or drinks are not allowed in the exhibition spaces. One common mistake is arriving with a large bag or suitcase — you then need to find and use a locker, and during busy times this can add many minutes to your entry.
If you plan to visit at the weekend with large luggage (e.g., a transit suitcase), leave it at your accommodation or use left-luggage at the railway station — don’t assume everything will fit in the museum locker. Keep valuables in internal pockets or a small bag you can keep with you.
The cloakroom can sometimes be temporarily unavailable (eg for sanitary reasons) — if you have items you cannot leave in a locker, plan an alternative before your visit.
Flash and tripods are prohibited — photography and filming may be allowed but without flash and without tripods. A frequent mistake is ignoring the no-flash rule when photographing darker works — flash can damage exhibits or prompt a reprimand from the conservation staff. Also avoid blocking walkways while taking photos and don’t set up long photo sessions where others want to view the works.
Do not touch the exhibits — it’s obvious, but many contemporary installations react to touch or are made from delicate materials. Breaking exhibition rules can result in an official warning or a reprimand from museum security. Keep voices moderate and turn off noisy devices.
If you plan to record for purposes other than private use (e.g., commercial footage or a photoshoot), you must obtain permission from museum management — don’t plan such activities at the last minute.
Weekends are naturally the busiest times — especially afternoons and vernissage days. If possible, come at opening time (11:00) or choose Wednesday evening during so-called hush hours (the museum reduces events and noisy installations then) — these are good moments for a quieter visit.
Another option is to plan your visit on a day with free access to part of the collection (for example, Thursdays sometimes offer free entry to selected collection spaces) — but these days attract more visitors, so expect crowds. Consider a paid day outside peak times if you prefer fewer people.
To avoid queues at the ticket desk, check advance ticket options — see whether online sales or fast-track ticket counters are available.
MOCAK offers different ticket types: full-price, reduced, family and special tickets. Some promotions apply to specific exhibition spaces or during periods of changing shows — a common mistake is assuming “one ticket covers everything” without checking the current rules.
During exhibition changes some galleries may be inaccessible — when buying a ticket for temporary exhibitions check which rooms are open that day. Check the museum’s announcements about closures before you leave.
Groups and guided visits have separate rules and prices — if you plan to visit with a larger party, contact the museum in advance to avoid complications and possible extra charges.
The museum offers facilities for people with disabilities: induction loops at reception, the cloakroom and the bookshop, and the possibility to arrange visits with Polish Sign Language (PJM) after prior notice. If you need assistance, inform the museum before your visit so they can prepare materials and support.
Families with children should check whether workshops or educational activities are taking place on the day — some programs require prior registration. With small children remember to leave items not allowed in exhibitions in the lockers.
At reception you can sometimes borrow a folding stool for visitors who shouldn’t stand for long — a simple convenience many forget to ask about.
Lipowa Street, where MOCAK is located, lies in a restricted parking zone and is not a good place for long-term parking. Zabłocie is in a paid parking zone — fees apply on weekdays and most Saturdays. It’s safest to plan to arrive by public transport, taxi or park in designated paid zones a short walk from the museum.
If you arrive with luggage — check in advance luggage storage options at your accommodation or at the station; Lipowa Street won’t replace a comfortable left-luggage service.
MOCAK has its own café and a bookshop where you can pleasantly end your visit. It’s a convenient option if you want to digest your impressions over coffee without traveling further.
The Zabłocie district has several well-regarded places to eat — a recognizable spot nearby is Emalia Zabłocie; you’ll also find smaller bistros and cafés with good reviews. If you want something special, check local reviews and reserve a table in advance for weekends.
MOCAK observes so-called hush hours (at set times the museum reduces events and silences loud or highly lit installations) — a great opportunity for a calmer look at the collection. Information about hush hours appears in the museum’s news.
The museum has a mobile app with a guide — using it helps you understand works better, especially multimedia pieces or those that need context. Download it before your visit if you plan to explore on your own and want extra commentary for each work.
Not checking opening hours and entry rules (eg closed on Monday) — confirm opening hours and ticket desk times before you go.
Arriving with large luggage or food — leave luggage at your accommodation or plan a locker; don’t bring meals into the exhibitions.
Taking photos with a tripod or flash — use your phone without flash or rely on natural light; for non-private use contact the museum in advance.
Not following announcements about closed rooms during exhibition changes — check notices about installation work before you arrive.
Showing up at the weekend peak without a plan or reservation — visit right after opening or choose less busy times (eg Wednesday evening).
Can I pay by card at the ticket desk? Yes — the ticket desk accepts card payments.
Can I enter with a big backpack? No — large luggage must be left in self-service lockers (max. 48 × 37 × 48 cm).
Are there free entry days? The museum often organizes free days or free access to selected spaces (for example parts of the basement or level -1) on certain days — always check the current announcement before visiting.
Can I join a group tour without prior reservation? Groups and guided tours have separate rules — it’s better to book in advance to avoid problems.
When planning a weekend visit to MOCAK: check the museum’s opening hours and announcements, leave large luggage outside the exhibition spaces, respect the photography rules, consider visiting outside peak times or during hush hours, and if you’re in a group — arrange a guided visit in advance. These simple steps turn a random visit into a pleasant, stress-free contemporary art experience.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media. If you’d like a guided visit around Krakow and MOCAK with local knowledge and passion, consider booking a private guide - Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
Plan at least 60–90 minutes for a focused visit to the main exhibitions; longer if you want to read all wall texts or use the audio/ app guide.
Bring a fully charged phone if you plan to use the museum app or take photos; respect the no-flash rule.
If you travel by public transport, tram lines serving Zabłocie and the city center are frequent — check local timetables on the day of travel.
