The Ethnographic Museum in Kraków is an unexpected, warm spot hidden in the heart of the Kazimierz district — located in the old Town Hall at Wolnica Square 1 and in the so-called Esterka House at 46 Krakowska Street. It’s a great place to show children and adults a piece of traditional Polish village life: a historic rural interior, the oldest Kraków nativity scene, and collections of crafts and folk costumes. The museum is family-friendly and often runs workshops, educational activities and temporary exhibitions that interest both young visitors and adults.
Opening hours: the museum is usually open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00; the last admission to the permanent exhibition is typically around 17:30. The site is closed to visitors on Mondays. Keep in mind that Tuesdays are often offered as free admission to the permanent exhibition (check whether the specific display you want to see is included).
Ticket prices (current when planning a visit): regular ticket, reduced ticket and family ticket. A family ticket usually covers two adults + one child or one adult + two children; for larger groups an extra person is usually charged at the reduced rate. Exact rates can change, so confirm current prices before you go.
Reservations and guided tours: the museum offers guided tours and educational activities; guided tours (in Polish and foreign languages) are available by prior arrangement — booking details are provided by the ticket office and reservations department.
Quick contact for questions: it’s easiest to confirm opening hours, workshop availability and discounts by phone or email — contact details are posted on the museum’s official site and at the ticket desk.
The family ticket is a convenient option for families with one or two children — it usually costs less than buying individual tickets. Standard discounts apply for pupils, students, seniors and holders of family cards (for example the Large Family Card or the Kraków Family Card) — discounts are often in the range of 30–50% for tickets and workshops.
Children up to 7 years old usually enter free, and group supervisors and assistants for people with disabilities are often admitted free. If you are visiting with a larger group or want to arrange a guided tour, contact the reservations department to confirm conditions and book a time.
Tuesday’s free admission to the permanent exhibition can be a great option for budget-conscious families, but temporary exhibitions and workshops commonly have separate fees.
The permanent exhibition presents Polish folk culture — interiors of village houses, kitchen and living-room furnishings, costumes, craft tools and stories of rituals and customs. A highlight for many visitors is the reconstructed interior of a village home decorated with folk painting, as well as the oldest Kraków nativity scene.
At Esterka House — in atmospheric Renaissance cellars — you’ll find temporary exhibitions that often cover interesting ethnographic or photographic themes. Check the program before your visit because temporary shows can be surprisingly engaging and well prepared.
Exhibitions are arranged to tell stories through objects — it’s a perfect chance to ask children questions: What was this used for? How did villagers cope with winter? That kind of conversation makes the visit interactive.
The museum regularly runs family workshops and educational series (for example winter-break workshops or the "Etno? Logicalnie!" cycle). Children’s activities combine play with learning about traditions, crafts and customs. Workshop fees are often separate from admission — sometimes a small fee is charged per child while caregivers enter free.
If you plan to join a workshop, reserve a spot in advance — spaces can be limited. Find dates and fees in the Education section on the museum’s site or by contacting them by email or phone. This is especially important during school holidays and weekends when demand is highest.
Tip: children’s workshops often have age limits; check in advance whether the activities suit your child’s age.
The museum states it works on accessibility: solutions are in place to help visitors with disabilities, including the option to visit with an assistant (assistants are usually exempt from fees) and a contact person for accessibility coordination you can email or call if you need support. The museum also informs about ramps and lifts that make parts of the displays wheelchair-accessible.
If you come with a stroller or a large bag, ask at the ticket desk about leaving items in the cloakroom. For special needs (for example borrowing auxiliary equipment or preparing a visit for people with intellectual disabilities) the staff is open to arrangements. The accessibility coordinator’s contact is available on the museum’s information channels.
Note the quiet hours: the museum sometimes offers quieter visiting times (for example selected afternoons), which can be important for families with infants or visitors who prefer a calmer experience.
The Ethnographic Museum sits in the heart of Kazimierz — after your visit take a stroll through charming streets: you can easily see Kazimierz Market Square, Szeroka Street, historic synagogues and atmospheric courtyards and cafés. It’s a great way to round off the visit, especially for children who enjoy a change of scenery.
Where to eat nearby? Around Kazimierz you’ll find well-known options: Restauracja Starka (traditional Polish cuisine in a cozy Kazimierz interior), Mleczarnia (a romantic garden and cakes, good for an afternoon break) and Café Camelot (a historic, relaxed setting for coffee). These places vary in character and price so you can choose what suits your family mood.
If you prefer a longer walk, head toward the Vistula River boulevards or visit the area around Oskar Schindler’s Factory — both routes are walkable and offer additional educational stops.
Arriving on Monday — the museum is usually closed. Always check the opening day before you leave.
Not checking what "Tuesday free" covers — it often applies to the permanent exhibition; temporary exhibitions and workshops may still be paid. If a particular show matters to you, verify its availability in advance.
Showing up without reserving a workshop — spaces can be limited, especially during school holidays and weekends. If you plan to take part in a children’s activity, reserve ahead.
How long does a visit take? Plan 45–90 minutes for the permanent exhibition; a workshop can add another 60–120 minutes depending on the format.
How much is the family ticket? A family ticket usually covers two adults + one child or one adult + two children; additional people are typically charged at the reduced rate. Exact prices change from time to time — check before your visit.
Can I take photos? Photography rules vary by exhibition (conservation rules or copyrights may restrict shooting). Ask at the ticket desk whether photography is allowed and whether there are limits (for example no flash or no tripods).
Is the museum suitable for small children? Yes — the permanent displays and some workshops are family-friendly, but check age recommendations for specific activities. Children up to 7 often enter free.
Not everyone knows that the Ethnographic Museum houses the oldest Kraków nativity scene — a great reason to visit outside the holiday season, since the exhibit has an interesting history and is worth seeing in person.
The museum holds a rich collection of photographs and archives — if you’re interested in historical village photos or old pictures of Lesser Poland, ask about photography exhibitions and the possibility of viewing archive materials. Occasionally the museum runs special screenings or multimedia presentations.
For families planning more in-depth educational activities — the museum runs programs during school breaks and summer, often with promotional fees for the second and subsequent children.
Check hours and prices on the museum’s site or call the ticket desk if you want to confirm a specific workshop date; that’s the quickest way to avoid surprises at the desk.
If you want a guided tour, the museum organizes guided visits — a good option for understanding exhibit context. Guided tours require reservation and are sometimes fee-based.
If you enjoyed your visit, share your impressions with friends or on social media — it helps other families plan similar outings. If you prefer a private guided experience, consider arranging a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details for the guide are available through her site.
