This is one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous paintings and the only one of his works on permanent display in Poland. Up close you can better appreciate the subtlety of the brushwork, the texture of the wooden panel and the exceptional composition of the figure against the background. The painting is relatively small (the work is under 60 cm tall), so the experience of being alone with the masterpiece is special and — despite its modest size — very impressive. In the room with the painting you will find a specially designed display case and a quiet viewing area, often with a single bench for visitors.
The Princes Czartoryski Museum (a branch of the National Museum in Kraków) is usually closed on Mondays; on other days visitors may enter according to published opening hours. Standard hours are Tuesday–Sunday, with the last admission to the exhibition usually about one hour before closing.
Tickets for the exhibition are sold for a specific day and time — an online reservation system is used especially in high season and when demand is high. The museum offers full-price and reduced-price tickets; family tickets and special rates for pupils and students are sometimes available. Tuesdays are the free-admission day for permanent exhibitions, but because visitor limits may apply it’s worth checking reservation rules before you come.
When planning your visit keep in mind that individual parts of the displays may be closed from time to time for technical or conservation reasons — short closures or maintenance work can happen outside the high season, so check the museum’s announcements shortly before you leave.
The National Museum in Kraków is expanding its accessibility offer and across its branches provides various aids. At the Czartoryski branch the museum offers, among other things, sensory routes, educational replicas of some objects and audio descriptions and video guides in sign language for visitors with visual and hearing impairments. Audio guides with audio description are also available.
Architectural solutions that facilitate movement are in place — lifts or platforms where access between floors is required, accessible restrooms and wheelchairs available to borrow at the ticket desk (on request). Museum staff provide information, suggest the best route around the displays and offer assistance with entry.
If you use a wheelchair or will visit with someone of limited mobility, it’s a good idea to contact the branch in advance — staff will confirm the current state of physical accessibility, indicate the most convenient entrance and help reserve a suitable time slot.
The National Museum prepares alternative materials: virtual tours of the rooms, described collections in the digital catalogue and exhibition paths with versions that include narration, an English version, sign language, audio description and simplified text. These are great options for visitors who want to prepare before the visit or prefer to explore the exhibition online first.
On site you will find educational stations with touchable replicas and information materials adapted for visitors with visual impairments. Deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors can receive video guides with translation into Polish Sign Language — remember to request these materials in advance if you will need them.
Buy your ticket in advance — time-specific tickets sell quickly, especially during the tourist season and at weekends. Online reservation guarantees admission at your planned time.
Be mindful of cloakroom rules: at the Czartoryski branch large suitcases are not accepted — only small backpacks are allowed. If you arrive with luggage, use storage at the train station or at your hotel.
Arrive a little earlier — Kraków museums sometimes regulate visitor flow, and a short walk through the rooms before seeing the Lady will help you feel the context of the collection. The last admission is usually about one hour before closing, so book a slot that gives you at least 45–60 minutes to see the main rooms at a relaxed pace.
The Princes Czartoryski Museum is located on Pijarska Street; the easiest way to reach it is by public transport — the Stary Kleparz stop is close by and served by several trams and buses. After the visit you can take a short walk through the Old Town and the Planty gardens.
There are many cafés and restaurants nearby with good reviews; for a reliable break after visiting, choose places recommended by guests. If you need a venue that's friendly for visitors with limited mobility, call ahead to confirm access to the entrance and restrooms at your chosen café or restaurant.
Rooms are usually dimly lit with a calm exhibition layout; objects are secured in display cases and major paintings are presented in special showcases. The room with the Lady with an Ermine is arranged so the viewer can focus on the work, often with minimal extra furniture.
Rules typically include requests not to use flash or tripods, to keep noise to a minimum and not to touch the exhibits. In areas with tactile educational copies staff clearly indicate what may be touched. If photography for documentation is important to you, ask at the ticket desk about current rules for that day’s exhibition.
Do I need to reserve a ticket for Tuesday when admission is free? - Even on free-admission Tuesdays, visitor limits may apply; check the museum’s reservation rules before you come.
Can I enter with an assistance dog? - Many institutions accommodate visitors with assistance dogs. If you plan to bring an assistance dog, contact the museum in advance to confirm rules and facilitate entry.
Are there audio guides and materials in sign language? - Yes — the museum offers audio descriptions, audio guides and materials in sign language for selected exhibitions; check at the ticket desk on the day of your visit.
Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair? - Strollers usually need to be folded in narrow passages; the museum also offers wheelchairs to borrow at some branches — ask at the ticket desk for details.
Not booking a ticket in advance — this causes uncertainty about entry, especially at weekends and in high season. Book an online slot.
Arriving with large luggage — the cloakroom may not accept large suitcases; leave bags at your hotel or in station storage.
Assuming every room is fully accessible — although the museum works to improve accessibility, some historic parts of the building may have architectural limitations; ask staff about a barrier-free route.
Not checking current announcements — exhibitions can be limited due to conservation work; a quick check on the museum’s site before you leave will prevent disappointment.
The museum offers online materials and virtual tours so you can explore selected rooms calmly before your visit — useful if you want to plan which galleries to see in person.
Some exhibition rooms include educational replicas and touch stations designed for visitors with visual impairments — a pleasant surprise for those who want to experience artworks by touch.
At times the Lady’s room is intentionally limited in the number of visitors to preserve viewing conditions and comfort — this creates a more intimate and personal experience.
Buy your ticket online or check reservation options.
Check opening hours and the last admission time.
Inform the museum in advance if you need any aids (platform, wheelchair, Polish Sign Language guide, etc.).
Take a small backpack instead of a large suitcase.
Plan a coffee break nearby after your visit.
If you prefer a guided visit, consider a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — a guide whose offer is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. A private tour can be tailored to your interests, include extra anecdotes and stop where you want to spend more time. Contact and booking details are available directly on the guide’s page.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media. If you have questions about accessibility, hours or want to arrange a visit with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz, check zwiedzaniekrakowa.com for contact details and tour options. Enjoy your visit to Kraków and an inspiring encounter with the "Lady with an Ermine"!
