The Ethnographic Museum in Krakow is one of those places that can surprise even people who think they've "seen everything" in Krakow — its collection is very broad, and the displays help you understand everyday life, rituals and crafts from different regions of Poland and beyond.
The May long weekend is a great time to dedicate more time to the museum: the weather invites walks around Kazimierz, and the long weekend gives you the space to calmly view the exhibitions and join workshops if the museum runs them then.
The museum operates in two main locations: the permanent exhibition is housed in the historic Kazimierz Town Hall at Plac Wolnica 1, while temporary shows and additional displays are presented at Esterka House on ul. Krakowska 46. It’s worth planning your route to visit both — each has a different atmosphere and different collections.
In practice this means that in one day you can walk through interiors presenting traditional rooms and workshops, and then see a curated temporary exhibition at Esterka House. It's a good combination for those interested in both the permanent collection and contemporary interpretations of ethnography.
The museum is usually open Tuesday through Sunday during daytime hours (details can change — check current opening times before your visit). On Tuesdays there are often free entries to the permanent exhibition or reduced prices for temporary shows, and the museum sometimes introduces so-called quiet hours at selected times.
The price list includes standard options: full-price tickets, reduced tickets, family tickets; there are also occasional free-admission days. If you plan a guided visit in a foreign language, the museum informs about additional costs for the tour and asks groups to register in advance. Confirm reservations and details on the museum’s site or by phone before the May long weekend.
The long weekend in May can draw many visitors to Kazimierz, so it’s worth arriving early — the first entries are usually quieter and give you time for a calm, unhurried visit. Combine both locations with at least 2–3 hours if you like to stop at exhibits and read the descriptions.
If you want to avoid queues at the ticket desk, check in advance whether online tickets are available or choose a time outside the afternoon peak. During the long weekend also check the events calendar — the museum often organizes extra workshops and guided tours.
The permanent exhibition transports you into traditional rooms, craft workshops and seasonal rituals — you’ll see regional costumes, everyday objects, tools and decorations related to holidays and customs. It’s an excellent background for understanding rural and craft life over recent centuries.
Esterka House focuses on temporary exhibitions — there you will often find authorial shows, experimental projects and contemporary readings of tradition. The mix of old and new narratives makes a visit especially inspiring.
The museum runs educational programs and workshops for families, especially on weekends and during holiday breaks. For children there are art classes, storytelling sessions and themed workshops — check the current program before you come, because special activities are often scheduled for the May long weekend.
A good idea for families is to combine a short tour of the exhibition with a creative workshop — after such a day children often remember the colors of costumes, instruments and simple craft techniques.
Kazimierz is full of cafés and restaurants, so after leaving the Kazimierz Town Hall it’s nice to take a break: a classic spot for coffee and relaxation is the atmospheric café Mleczarnia with its garden — a pleasant option after the museum.
If you prefer local street food, Plac Nowy is famous for zapiekanki — a quick, tasty and typical Krakow snack. Around the area you’ll also find many restaurants serving Middle Eastern, vegetarian and Polish cuisine, so there’s something for every taste.
The Kazimierz Town Hall, which hosts the permanent exhibition, has a unique local character — it is not a typical open-air skansen but interiors designed to tell the story of daily life and rituals; this makes the exhibition feel more intimate than in large city museums.
A commonly overlooked place is Esterka House — it’s worth visiting because it shows how curators interpret collections in a contemporary context. It’s a great complement to the traditional permanent exhibition.
Not checking opening hours for the long weekend — don’t assume the museum operates on a regular schedule every holiday. Before you go, confirm opening hours and any program changes.
Failing to plan time between the two locations — visitors often leave Esterka House for later and then run out of time; plan your visit so you can see both sites. Also, if you want a guided tour in a foreign language, don’t leave registration to the last minute — notify the museum in advance.
The museum is located in the heart of Kazimierz — it’s most convenient to reach by public transport or on foot if you’re already in the city center. There are paid parking zones nearby, but during the May long weekend it may be harder to find a spot, so consider taking a tram or walking a short distance.
The museum publishes information about accessibility of parts of the exhibitions for visitors with mobility limitations — if you need specific assistance, it’s a good idea to write or call ahead to arrange details.
Is the museum open during the May long weekend? - Hours can vary depending on the year and the holidays, so check the official site before you go.
Is it worth reserving a guided tour? - If you plan to visit with a larger group or want a tour in a foreign language, a reservation makes organization easier and guarantees a guide is available.
How much time do I need? - Allow at least 1–1.5 hours for the permanent exhibition; if you add Esterka House and workshops, plan for half a day.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — recommending a well-planned May long weekend can help someone have a great day in Krakow.
And if you want a stress-free visit with insightful commentary, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers guided tours focused on ethnographic context and the city’s stories. You can find contact details on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
