The Czartoryski Museum is one of the most precious places in Polish museum culture — primarily because of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Lady with an Ermine and the museum’s rich collection of European art and Polish national memorabilia. During the Night of Museums the museum opens at unusual hours, offers special guided tours, short lectures and performances, and the historic palace on Pijarska Street gains a unique, almost theatrical atmosphere.
This event is a great opportunity to see the most famous exhibits outside normal opening hours, join themed walks and small presentations, and hear stories about the collection that rarely appear in standard guides.
Many Kraków institutions prepare programs especially for that night, so a visit to the Czartoryski Museum can easily be combined with other attractions in the city center.
In the palace you will find, among others, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece Lady with an Ermine, works by Flemish and Dutch masters, as well as collections of applied arts, military items and historical mementos. The exhibition is divided into parts: the Palace, the Monastery, the Gallery of Ancient Art and the Arsenal — in total several dozen exhibition rooms arranged across two floors.
Pay attention not only to the big names but also to the smaller, less obvious objects that tell the story of the collection and the Czartoryski family. These items often hide fascinating anecdotes and local contexts.
The museum also presents temporary exhibitions — during the Night of Museums special salons or reading rooms with themed displays are often opened to visitors.
The program changes every year, but usually includes evening access to rooms, thematic guided tours, short lectures and accompanying performances such as dance shows or small-scale performances. In previous editions events started in the evening and ran until midnight, with individual items scheduled at specific times.
On site there are often free walks following selected historical threads through branches of the National Museum in Kraków, but places for some activities may be limited and require reservation.
If you plan to attend a particular event, I recommend checking details in advance and reserving a place — this will help you avoid disappointment and long queues.
The Czartoryski Museum is located at Pijarska Street 15, very close to Wawel and the Main Market Square, which makes it a convenient destination for an evening walk through Kraków’s center.
On standard days the museum is usually open from about 10:00 to 18:00, with the last admission often around 17:00. During the Night of Museums opening hours are often extended — check the official program for the given year, as it specifies exact time frames.
The National Museum in Kraków uses timed tickets purchased online — some Night of Museums activities require reservations or have a limited number of places. It’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance or call the information center to confirm whether a reservation is needed for your chosen attraction. Contact details and phone numbers for reservations are available on the museum’s website.
Arrive earlier than most visitors — the opening of night events and the first hours of the evening are often less crowded. Starting your visit with the lesser-known rooms lets you reach the most popular exhibits later with more space and calm.
Check the program in advance and plan your route. If a specific item of the program has a limited number of places, reserve by phone or online.
Avoid large luggage — some museum branches do not accept suitcases in the cloakroom; only small backpacks are typically allowed. This will save you trouble at the entrance and speed up visitor flow.
Remember the museum rules: no flash photography of works of art, do not touch exhibits and keep quiet in more intimate rooms. These are not only good manners but often conservation requirements.
Near the Czartoryski Museum you’ll find many well-regarded places to eat — if you plan dinner before or after the Night of Museums, consider highly rated options such as Restaurant Wierzynek, Pod Nosem or Cafe Camelot. Each offers a different atmosphere — from more formal to cozy café-style interiors.
If you’re looking for accommodation close to the center, consider hotels and apartments in the Old Town and near Wawel — this will make returning after evening events easier. When booking, pay attention to reviews mentioning quiet nights and proximity to main attractions.
If you want a quick, local bite before visiting, try one of the well-rated cafés or small bistros near the Market Square that serve both snacks and hot dishes.
The Czartoryski collection has a long history dating back to the early 19th century and was initiated by Princess Izabela Czartoryska — many of the objects therefore have a personal, patriotic character and an interesting historical background.
The palace houses several dozen rooms distributed among different parts of the complex — during the Night of Museums spaces that are usually less visible to mass visitors are often opened.
Although the Lady with an Ermine is the most famous piece, the collection also contains everyday objects from past eras, militaria and small keepsakes that can be as intriguing to history enthusiasts as works by the great masters.
Arriving without checking the program and hours is a classic mistake — some Night of Museums items take place at strictly defined times and require reservations. Plan ahead what you want to see.
Ignoring baggage rules can result in being denied entry or having to use external storage. Take only essentials and avoid large suitcases.
Assuming everything will be free — although many museums offer attractive prices during the Night of Museums, not all activities are free; some are paid or limited. Check prices and conditions in advance.
Do I need to reserve entry for the Night of Museums? — For some events yes, especially thematic tours and meetings with a limited number of places. Buy a ticket or reserve a spot if the program requires it.
Is the Lady with an Ermine always on display? — The painting is a permanent part of the collection, but access to the specific work can be limited during times of high visitor numbers or for conservation reasons. It’s wise to plan a visit during less busy hours.
Can I take photos? — Photography inside the museum is often allowed but without flash and according to the museum rules. Some rooms or temporary exhibitions may be subject to a no-photography policy.
How do I get to the museum and where can I park? — The museum is very close to Wawel and the Main Market Square, so it’s easiest to reach on foot from central Kraków points. If you come by car, look for nearby paid parking and keep in mind that the city center can be busy in the evening.
If you plan to take part in the Night of Museums, treat it as an opportunity for slow, attentive visiting — pick two or three things you really want to see and spend more time with them. The evening atmosphere of the palace rooms is often special and can provide a different, more intimate experience of the art.
If you would like, I can recommend a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a great way to learn the contexts and histories of the collection in an engaging program tailored to your interests. Contact details for guiding services are available on the guide’s website.
Share this article with friends or on social media if you think it might be useful. Enjoy the Night of Museums and many inspiring discoveries at the Czartoryski Museum!
