The Eagle Pharmacy is a place that can hold your attention for longer — especially in winter, when shorter days and quieter tourist flow give the exhibition an even more focused, reflective character. If you're wondering whether it's worth leaving the beaten track and visiting Podgórze on a cold day — the answer is yes. This compact museum contains powerful stories, multimedia elements and places of remembrance that are well worth exploring as part of the Museum of Krakow's Memory Trail. Let me suggest what to see, how to plan your visit and what to avoid so your time there is truly meaningful.
Winter gives the site a special atmosphere: silence on the square, light filtering through the exhibition windows and the chance to calmly focus on witness testimonies and historical documents. It's an excellent time to visit if you prefer intimate but emotionally strong museum experiences.
Fewer crowds – in winter the number of visitors is usually lower than in summer, which makes it easier to explore the museum's small space at your own pace.
The winter scenery of Podgórze and Plac Bohaterów Getta strengthens the atmosphere of memory and reflection, offering a different perspective than the summer buzz.
Seasonal exhibitions and events – in addition to the permanent display, the museum occasionally organizes evening events, open days and special guided tours, so it's worth checking the schedule before you come.
Inside you'll find a reconstruction of the old pharmacy interior and an exhibition dedicated to Tadeusz Pankiewicz and life in the Kraków ghetto. The display combines museum objects, photographs and film materials with witness testimonies.
The exhibition is designed to be interactive and accessible: you can open drawers, look through materials in display cases and watch short films and video testimonies. Each “drawer” tells a different story — biographies, residents' stories and everyday objects.
The museum also tells the story of the pharmacy as a meeting place, a center for passing information and providing help. The figure of Tadeusz Pankiewicz, his actions and his recognition as Righteous Among the Nations are central to the narrative. Spend some time with the film materials — they often leave the strongest impression after a visit.
Address: Plac Bohaterów Getta 18, 30-547 Kraków. The branch operates as part of the Museum of Krakow and is included in the Memory Trail.
Opening hours (check before you travel, as they may change): usually Wednesday–Sunday 9:00–17:00; last admission is 30 minutes before closing. The museum may be closed on certain days (holidays and selected dates), so check current information on the museum's website before your visit.
Tickets and reservations: on some days (for example certain weekdays) admission may be free or tickets available online — it's a good idea to reserve in advance, especially for larger groups or during special events. The museum offers educational programs for school groups.
Contact: Visitor Service Centre tel. 12 426 50 60; Eagle Pharmacy office tel. 12 656 56 25; e‑mail apteka@muzeumkrakowa.pl or info@muzeumkrakowa.pl.
Tip: if you prefer a calm visit, plan to come in the morning on a weekday or outside peak hours.
The Eagle Pharmacy is located on the territory of the former ghetto, so a natural addition is a walk to nearby places of remembrance: Pomorska Street and other sites connected with the ghetto's history, as well as Oskar Schindler's Factory — you can visit these points in a single day to create a coherent Podgórze itinerary.
If you want to warm up after sightseeing, choose one of the recommended cafes or restaurants in Kazimierz or the Old Town — it's a short walk or a quick tram ride away. Finishing the day with dinner in a well-reviewed local restaurant is a pleasant option.
Transport: Podgórze is easy to reach by tram or bus. You can also walk from the city centre in about 20–30 minutes, which gives you extra time to enjoy the city scenery.
Timing: allow at least 45–90 minutes for the Eagle Pharmacy to watch the films and pause at the displays at a relaxed pace.
The Eagle Pharmacy is small in footprint but has great educational and emotional impact — a short visit here can leave a stronger impression than a long walk through crowded attractions.
Well-known creators and donors were involved in preparing the exhibition, which helped assemble the materials and multimedia that bring the story to life.
The museum often offers additional educational programs and short events — check the calendar, because you might catch a guided tour or lecture that enriches your visit.
A common mistake visitors make is bringing a group larger than the space can comfortably accommodate — the Eagle Pharmacy is intimate, so large groups can limit the chance for quiet viewing.
Is the Eagle Pharmacy suitable for children? Yes — the exhibition contains educational and interactive elements that can interest younger visitors, but the subject matter is serious and should be prepared or explained by caregivers.
Can I take photos? In most parts, yes, but always ask on arrival about the photography rules for that day.
How long does a visit take? Average time is 45–90 minutes, depending on how much time you spend watching films and whether you join a guided tour.
Do I need to reserve tickets? Not always, but for larger groups or event days it's better to reserve in advance. Also check days with free admission.
Where can I leave my belongings? Because the museum is intimate, avoid large backpacks — if you have bigger items, check cloakroom options or leave them at your hotel.
Dress warmly and comfortably — in winter bring layers, as stepping out from the warm interior into cold air will be noticeable.
Suggested route: morning at the Eagle Pharmacy, then a walk through the Memory Trail, an afternoon at Oskar Schindler's Factory or a cosy lunch in the area. If you want a well-rated dinner, consider booking a table for the evening — good restaurants can be busy.
Share your impressions: if this guide helped you, share it with friends or on social media — it's a great way to support small museums and promote thoughtful sightseeing.
If you prefer to visit with someone who knows the place well and can tell the historical stories in context, I recommend booking time with the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her contact is available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
